I have been following the Professional Golf Association (PGA) tournaments for many years but have never taken note of J.P. Hayes until I read about this recent incident.

- This article was written by Tom Parsons for Baptist Press Sports (24 Nov 2008) -

Hayes was playing in a qualifying tournament in Texas a few days ago. He hadn’t won a tournament in six years and needed to finish well in order to continue to make a living playing golf in 2009. During the tournament, he realized on one hole he had played two shots with the wrong ball. He immediately notified the officials and took the two-stroke penalty prescribed by the rule book.

But later that evening, he realized that his error was far worse than he first thought. Not only had he played the wrong ball, but the ball he had used was a prototype that was not approved by the USGA for use in tournament play. No one else had to know that he made the mistake. He could have completed play in the tournament and nobody would have been the wiser. Given where he finished the round, he was in good shape to advance to the next stage of qualifying and secure his future in professional golf.

Instead, he did the only honorable thing: he turned himself in and was disqualified from the tournament. As a result, he lost his ability to compete on the PGA Tour next year. Those who do not play golf sometimes do not understand the game’s seemingly archaic rules about honor and integrity. In fact, the official rule book explains why this is an integral part of the game.

Here’s what it says:“Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf.”

By calling this penalty on himself, Hayes has demonstrated his integrity as a player and as an individual. At a time when others might have been tempted to cheat, he abided by the rules and paid the appropriate price.

In the same way, Christians are called to live life with integrity (see Ephesians 4:1). If we live our lives according to God’s Word, we reflect glory upon Him. Each day we face countless decisions. Often such decisions are made without anyone around us knowing what we are struggling with. Often we are given the opportunity to behave in a less than honorable fashion. But we are to live our lives to please God and although no one else may know we have cheated, He will know. Through the work of the Holy Spirit we are convicted to live our lives according to His standards. James says that we are not supposed to merely hear the Word but to do what it says (James 1:22-25). If we follow through and are faithful to God’s Word, then He will be glorified. That is living life in a manner worthy of the calling we have received.