On 24 May, the Royal Portrush Golf Club hosted a sports quiz for its members and staff. Hundreds of these quiz events are run up and down the British Isles each year, but this one was special as it came at an exciting time in the club’s history.
For the first time in 68 years, the Dunluce links will play host to The Open Championship. Bringing together the best male golfing talent in the world in pursuit of a major title, this event provided an unmissable opportunity to gather the club community together to look at an even greater prize; the gospel of hope found in Jesus.
In this build-up to The Open, the handful of Christian members at Royal Portrush Golf Club jumped at the opportunity for an evangelistic event and so committed to hosting a sports quiz.
The evening was attended by 55 people who formed teams made up of the greens staff, playing members, club council members, and clubhouse staff. Competition was high, and the quiz included a recorded introduction from Christian golfing legend Bernhard Langer who gave a ‘Bernhard’s Bonus’ question at the end of each round. Further to this, the winning team members were awarded miniature replicas of the Claret Jug, paying homage to the club’s upcoming hosting of The Open.
In the midst of some great sporting trivia, there was an opportunity to reflect on the message of the gospel and the hope that it offered to the 45 guests in the room. A short evangelistic film was played to spark conversation around the greatest discovery that can ever be made in Jesus. Allen McCluggage, a Christians in Sport staff worker for Northern Ireland, also gave a Bible reflection on the hope offered in Christ. What an excellent opportunity to reach those who love golf with the gospel!
Richard, one of the Christian members at the club, reflected on the event saying: ‘The Open returning to Portrush created a unique opportunity, and a few club members prayed for God’s word and Christ’s name to be part of the conversation. Inviting members and club staff to a quiz was an opportunity to thank them for all they do and to build relationships. It was most encouraging to see the room full beyond capacity, with those not yet Christians hearing a clear half-time message to consider the claims of Christ. Praise God for this first step! We pray for future thoughtful, intentional and strategic witness within Royal Portrush Golf Club.’
This was one of several evangelistic events happening in the region, with another sports quiz held down the road in Portrush Town Hall just the week after. With a strong turnout of sportspeople, a bespoke quiz trophy on offer, and an engaging talk on the Christian faith, this is set to become an annual event.
Praise God for his work in Northern Ireland, softening Christians’ hearts to reach sportspeople who don’t yet know Jesus and opening up opportunities to share His word.
