The late Eighties and early Nineties marked a turning point in Masters Tournament history. Dominated by American golfers for almost 60 years, in 1988 Sandy Lyle began a run that would keep the Green Jacket on British shoulders for four straight years. In this period, PGA Master Professional, Howard Bennett, was just beginning his career at the Golf Union of Ireland, where he’d go on to be the Irish National Coach, supporting the likes of Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy – Augusta’s first Irish champion.

This April, the night after Rory’s second victory, Howard, now in his eighties, joined golfers from around Southport for ‘A Night on the Range.’

Howard shared his golf journey and story of coming to faith over a Q&A during the evening

Beginning the evening, players spent time on the driving range as well as receiving a masterclass from Howard. The night then concluded with food and a chance to hear his story of coming to believe in Jesus, including how he first heard the good news from fellow pro golfer Bernard Firkins, at a Christians in Sport event in 1994.

Over food, Christians in Sport outreach worker, Mike Swanson, then had the chance to conduct a Q&A with Howard about his golfing journey and his faith in Jesus:

“Once Howard stood up to speak, he had the room completely, especially given Rory McIlroy’s success the night before. Hearing more about Howard’s coaching career and journey to faith was captivating. It was brilliant to see three churches collaborating to put the event on, with the majority of 25 golfers there being guests.

Seeing momentum building in outreach to sportspeople in Southport is an encouragement too, having gathered Christian Sportspeople for a Clubhouse evening in January to pray and go through evangelism training together. ‘A Night on the Range’ was the first in a series of evangelistic events planned including a sports quiz in May and a sports dinner in June, all supported by local churches.”