The 2026 Masters Golf Tournament was April 9-12. It is always held at the Augusta National Golf Club. It is one of the four men's major championships in professional golf.
A name synonymous with the Masters is Bobby Jones, one of the legends of the golfing world. He was exceptionally talented, but he had a fiery temper. Early in his career he was known more for throwing clubs than hitting golf balls. From 1916-1923, he didn't win a single tournament because he lacked self-control.
His lowest moment came at the 1921 British Open at St. Andrews. He arrived heralded as a "boy wonder", but to the observers here at the birthplace of the sport he came across as cocky and arrogant. He called the course "too easy", but after falling out of contention he called it "unfair" and just quit, ripped up his scorecard, and walked off the course. The people of St. Andrews were disgusted at his behavior.
Jones vowed to change his attitude. Over the next few years he went on a tear, winning the U.S. Open three times and the British Open twice. In 1927 he returned to St. Andrews and successfully defended his British Open crown. Then he did something that would endear him to the people of St. Andrews forever. He decided that if he should win, the trophy would stay put at St. Andrews and not go home with him to America. On the 18th green, 10,000 Scots cheered when Jones sank the winning putt, and carried him away on their shoulders. In a place where he was once hated and reviled, he was now a hero.
The Gospel is all about change. Jesus can change lives for the better. He can turn hate to love. He can make the cold heart warm. He can change doubt to faith. He can give direction to the lost and wayward. He can change our lives!
I hope to see you every Sunday at the place where we celebrate change!
--Blessings! Reverend Cooper Stonestreet