The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) hosted its annual Golf Breakfast with the Pros event at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa on Wednesday, May 9, enabling junior athletes to interact with professionals while learning about how God can impact their personal and professional lives.
This year's event, hosted by PGA Tour Champions golfer Fred Funk, included former PGA Tour and Web.com Tour player Jeff Klauk and Bubba Watson’s caddie, Ted Scott, among others. The PGA TOUR's Russell Henley was the keynote professional, and Todd Lewis of the Golf Channel served as emcee.
"This has become a very big event and a very special event," said Funk. "To have the high school kids here, it's just a great time of camaraderie, a great time of teamwork and a great time of being with your classmates and your fellow players on your team."
Henley discussed his professional golf career, why he chose the sport and his Christian testimony.
"I was better than all my friends at all the other sports, but I was the worst golfer," said Henley. "I think just the idea of not being the best and wanting to improve on it just excited me and I fell in love with the game."
Despite his success at golf and his eventual rise to the PGA TOUR, Henley revealed that he felt an "emptiness" inside that wouldn’t go away. After learning about the life of Jesus Christ, Henley said he realized what was missing.
"I realized that what I've been searching for in golf would only be fulfilled through a relationship with Christ," he revealed. "My life completely changed since I started walking with Christ; I think the biggest thing that the Lord has shown me is what I thought would complete me really didn't and it pointed me to Christ."
Following the breakfast, the junior athletes went to the THE PLAYERS Championship Stadium Course to take in the festivities.
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an international nonprofit Christian sports ministry that unites faith and athletics. The Northeast Florida chapter offers various ministries for athletes and coaches including camp experiences, community sports events and more. For more information on the nonprofit, visit www.nefloridafca.org.