Who's Your Caddy?

By Terri Conlin


Some linksmen can close their eyes and feel the swing. On a clear day a clean sweep sends the ball sailing across turquoise sky toward the tin cup below. Mike Tate spent the day on lush green links, but his heart was to fill the tin cup for a thirsty man. The charity golf tournament was a benefit for the homeless. The event was a success by any measure, raising $10,000 and allowing the shelter to feed and clothe the homeless one more weekday. But it was more than a hole in one. Mike renewed an old friendship with Burt, the man who pioneered Transitional Youth, and linked together they offered one homeless young man a job with Mike’s company.

On the outside, Mike stands 6’ 3” with a booming baritone voice. But inside is a father’s heart of mercy. Sean’s story took a divot from his heart. After a childhood in foster care and his teens in MacLaren, on his eighteenth birthday the doors swung open and he walked out into the world. No one came to meet him. Fore! He went in search of his mother who took him in, but offered him drugs. Fore! When he and his habit became a burden, she kicked him out.

When Mike met him, Sean had lived three years in the rough of the streets learning deception for survival, but no life-skills; no cornerstones for building a life – trust, ethics, boundaries and relationships. Fore! Among the warnings came two signs of hope: he moved into the Transitional Youth boys’ home and opened his heart to Christ. Mike thought training and a steady job would help Sean avoid the hazards in life. For a time, the job opportunity looked like a clear shot to the green, but he was soon way off course.

Mike blames himself. He was sure all Sean needed was a mulligan, but he needed more of everything: supervision, encouragement, accountability and maturity. Many warnings about job performance, safety and teamwork ricocheted off his heart, until finally Mike let him go. But he was already gone. Sean refused all wisdom and hooked the shot.

If you measure success by coins, Sean made enough to secure an apartment off the streets. If you measure it by the end result in Sean’s life, he’s on a par 5 hole in the first round and he’s lost his swing. If you measure success biblically, then you have to witness the turnings of the heart. These we must close our eyes to see. Consider Moses, who never set foot in the Promised Land, yet saw God face to face; David, who never built God’s House, yet was a man after God’s own heart; Jesus, whose death scattered his followers, yet gathered them in eternity; or Mike, who watches the fairway for Sean’s return, his caddy by his side.

Caddy: A companion who carries the golfer’s bag giving insight and moral support. An experienced caddy is aware of the challenges and obstacles along the course of play. He can keep the linksman from wavering, and if in relationship with the golfer, offer adjustments to his swing.