Listening To Wise Advice

LISTENING TO WISE ADVICE is a good idea in sports . . . and in life. Edward Fryatt learned this lesson at the 2000 Doral-Ryder Open.

After carding an opening round 75, Fryatt tried to work out some kinks on the practice green. While the 28-year-old rookie took a few extra shots, fellow PGA member David Frost detected a flaw in his grip. Taking Frost’s advice, Fryatt noticed a marked difference the next day.

The Las Vegas native sank a birdie in the opening holes and discovered newfound confidence. Suddenly, every shot seemed to go exactly where the golfer intended it.

Fryatt recorded a second birdie on hole 4 by sinking a 20-foot putt. Birdie putts of 40 and 25 feet followed on 5 and 6. Two short putts of three and six feet resulted in birdies on 7 and 8. A 25-footer on the par-3 No. 9 gave the first-year pro a 29 for the front nine, tying the tournament record set by Tom Kite in 1974 and 1979.

Two more birdies went on Fryatt’s scorecard when he sank 12- and 15-foot putts on 10 and 11. But the string snapped when he recorded a par on the 12th hole. His eight consecutive birdies tied a PGA record shared by Dewey Arnett, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Bob Goalby.

Unaware of his accomplishment, Fryatt finished with a 62. Although his score rose to 71 in round three and 66 on day four, the young pro wound up with a four-day total of 274 to tie for ninth place.

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POINT Veteran David Frost gave rookie Edward Fryatt excellent advice and timely instruction. Edward listened and learned. That decision made Fryatt a very wise golfer.

In life God gives us many chances for learning. His Word provides sound instruction from cover to cover. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, and mature Christians provide good advice. Spiritual books, movies, and music also teach wonderful lessons and help us grow. If we listen to the advice and accept the instruction, we too will become wise.

GOAL! If you play a sport, ask your coach for extra instruction. Listen to the advice, and put the lesson to practice. If you’re not involved in athletics, ask for advice in another area of your life. Praise God for providing good advice and sound instruction.