New York Times: For Golfers Who Curse Their Play at the U.S. Open, There’s Holy Hill

Holy Hill, a Catholic basilica, overlooks Erin Hills, the golf course that will host the United States Open starting Thursday. 

Every golfer who stands on the 18th tee at Erin Hills during this year’s United States Open will need faith and hope. Perhaps even spiritual inspiration and divine intervention.

All eyes will turn toward Holy Hill, a castle-like Catholic basilica and shrine looming on the horizon of the event’s final hole as if floating in the clouds. Built on the highest point in southeastern Wisconsin, the nearly century-old Holy Hill church in Hubertus has twin spires that are an aiming point for golfers, beckoning well-struck drives to safe passage on the home hole.

But then, this is golf, where broken commandments — cursing, lying on a scorecard, failing to honor the Sabbath — are as common as bogeys. Indeed, there is probably a deep connection between bogeys and broken commandments.

...

"There are parallels between the experience on the golf course and what brings people to the shrine,” Father Michael said. “There is the whole struggle with pride and having to be humbled time and time again, and yet believing that you have the means to keep going.”

The friars noticed that the players at the 2011 Amateur tended to come to Mass before they played.

And they went to confession after their rounds.

What did they confess to?

It’s golf. You can imagine.

full article at The New York Times

Wow, a really great article!