Around 30 teenagers braved wind, hail, sleet, and even snow to participate in a golf camp held this Easter.  OM Ireland welcomed back former European Tour player and Ryder Cup vice-captain, Anders Forsbrand, as part of a team of ten golf professionals from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes from the USA who came to coach the teens.

Before he arrived back in Ireland, Anders said, “I am excited to revisit Ireland and lead this camp.  Golf has taught me a lot and I want to pass on what I have learnt to a new generation.”  Although the weather forced the team to improvise and be creative, even having to move some activities indoors, the campers had a lot of fun and learnt some valuable life lessons during the week.

Not only did the teens receive top quality instruction and play golf alongside their coaches, but they also heard the coaches share stories from their professional careers and personal lives.  Then in small groups the stories that were shared were tied into principles from the Bible as one of the coaches facilitated discussion and answered questions.

“You taught me life lessons both on and off the course, unlike any other camp I have attended.” shared Derbhaile, one of this year’s participants.  “Everyone was so positive and it really helped me!  You applied the Bible to everyday situations and in golf and it helped me to understand the Bible more.”

At the finale celebration on Thursday night, each camper was presented with a Bible, a wooden cross, an inspiring Christian book called Golf’s Sacred Journey, and a certificate of participation.  Anders shared some of his testimony in how he became a Christian and OM Ireland Director Mike Mullins followed with a presentation of the gospel to the teens and parents in attendance.

Dax Bryant, organizer of the camp and Sports Ministry Coordinator for OM Ireland said, “This camp is about so much more than golf!  Young people need to have positive role models and to see faith as something that is real and personal.  The team accomplished that this week.”