responded to the situation with
fortitude, exemplifying 2 Corin-
thians 12:10, “For when I am
weak, then I am strong.”

“I never felt strong at any point,”
he admits. “God was very good
to me. He answered my prayers.
God is ever faithful and I hope
people can see that through my
own personal witness.”

Place Where God’s Work
is Displayed

With Casey Martin, what is on
display is as important as what is
Photo: Eric Evans not. Unlike many other athletes,
you won’t see overt signs of his
simply responded to God’s invitation. Viewing it Christian faith. “There were times when I wouldn’t
from God’s perspective, I was chosen. That is necessarily not do that. I am a natural, real per-
very humbling because I did nothing to be cho- son who is not shy about his faith, but, I also be-
sen.” This grace-filled perspective is what in- lieve there is a balance. I am bold about my be-
spires Casey to hope that “others can see Christ liefs, yet I try not to throw my religion at people.”
in me and see there’s something different about Now in his third year as the head coach at Ore-
me because of my belief.” At the same time, he gon, Casey admits that his style is more under-
acquiesces, “I fail in many ways. I wish others stated. “I haven’t done a whole lot of sharing
could see it more as I blend in way too much in about my faith with my team. I feel it’s my job to
certain aspects.” Still, in terms of his life journey, represent God, but as a public institution, it’s not
Casey recognizes God as having “seen me my position to preach. I do, however, feel pres-
through some difficult stuff. Despite the trials, all sure to live in a way that my athletes can see
the challenges, my life has been totally blessed.” something unique about me; it’s a big part of how I
do my job. That is my prayer—that I would be re-
As it so happens, one of those trials literally was a vealed differently because of my faith.” Casey’s
trial: Casey Martin vs. the PGA. The sheer prayer is no different than the teaching of St. Fran-
amount of publicity from this definitive litigation left cis who calls us to “preach the Gospel at all times.
no room for Casey to “blend in.” Although the out- When necessary, use words.”
come of the Supreme Court’s decision was to sup-
port Martin’s claim by supporting the rights inher- Martin’s words, however, not his prayer surprised
ent in the Americans with Disabilities Act, Casey me. Considering the natural beauty that sur-
speaks of God’s presence during that time as a rounds and shapes a golf course, one could pre-
blessing. Looking back, he remembers “not know- dict that it is a likely place to recognize God’s work
ing how things would work…the financial pres- on display. When asked if he views the golf
sures…everything was an emotional roller course as “sacred ground,” Casey honestly re-
coaster. It was so out of my control. I needed plies, “Those would not be my words.” He contin-
God’s help to get up and play each day. My ues, expanding upon this thought, “I can’t say I
prayer was, ‘Lord I need you. I can’t see you and I had a spiritual perspective in the sport. Golf was
can’t feel you but I need you.’ I said many times. my job, and a good job in which I wanted to do
’Lord, I want to represent You. I want to be differ- great. It was frustrating to fail. Certainly I believe
ent and this is a little bit overwhelming for me. I there was something bigger than just me playing
need help.’” golf, but that was not the focus. In a way, this was
almost a ministry in that I could be distinctive.”
In the public eye, Casey remained grounded and Golf has indeed provided a platform where Casey
calm. The media attention was relentless, yet he could be different, where he has been unique, and where those who know him recognize there is
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