Why Hero (Man) Worship Is Never Healthy

The recent death of Beach Boys’ original leader, Brian Wilson, was a reminder of what celebrity status does for someone, not just in America but around the world. Sure, as a Beach Boys fan, I can agree with those who claim he was a musical genius. The flip side of this, however, is what might have been if only Wilson had better control of the demons that sank him into a deep depression and fueled his appetite for food, drugs, and alcohol. Despite his superstar status, he was hardly a role model for young, aspiring musicians. But even Christian “celebrities” are, after all, only human. Which brings me to the world of professional golf and the world’s number one player, Scottie Scheffler.

For those who do not follow golf (and some people I know compare watching it on TV to watching paint dry), Scheffler, in addition to being rated the top golfer over the last couple of years, is admired for his demeanor on the golf course. Until recently, he’s been the epitome of calmness and steadiness during his round, even when things weren’t always going his way. Golf, by its nature, is oftentimes unpredictable, punishing picture-perfect shots with bad bounces, but then sending a wayward shot off a tree branch and back onto the fairway. So, it’s understandable when a professional golfer gets a little emotional at times, given what’s at stake financially and prestige-wise. However, the professional decorum that has been handed down through generations of gentlemanly golfers is still expected from today’s pros.

Tiger Woods, arguably at least the second-best player of all time, was notorious earlier in his career for blowing his stack at shots that did not meet his (very high) expectations. He was caught taking the Lord’s name in vain regularly, slamming his club, and otherwise making a spectacle of himself. Since Tiger in his prime was professional golf’s meal ticket (his popularity made golf much more popular and therefore upped the prize packages), his outbursts were largely overlooked by a fawning sports media. They had no desire to criticize the guy who was adored by so many fans and pumped up their TV ratings. As a self-proclaimed Buddhist, Tiger didn’t have the same worries that a Christian golfer who blows his top in front of millions may have. And that brings us back to Mr. Scheffler.

It was not for nothing that Paul made this point in Phil 4:12: “In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content.” Granted, much easier said than done, and I doubt that even as ardent a believer as Paul didn’t slip up and complain once in a while. Scottie Scheffler has proclaimed his Christian faith and, by all accounts, is in a rock-solid marriage that includes a baby son. But recently, his composure seems to have slipped. 

Please understand, I’m trying to be as gentle as I can in this critique. For one thing, as a rank amateur golfer, I’m guilty of getting angry on the golf course sometimes. I can only imagine the pressure involved in being labeled the number one golfer in the world and having to prove it, week in and week out. With Scheffler, the first red flag in his behavior occurred last year at the PGA championship, one of golf’s premier “major” tournaments. Scheffler was caught in a traffic jam on his way to the course and decided that, despite the police posting that was blocking an otherwise clear lane, he needed to get there on time. That took precedence over following the rules. He was briefly arrested for violating the police order, and was released just in time to get to the first tee on time. There was some controversy over whether Scheffler actually injured a cop who was trying to stop him. 

This year, when Scheffler won the PGA championship, he did something out of character after sinking the winning putt. Slamming his hat to the ground, he yelled, “F--- yeah!” The sports commentators praised him for finally showing some real emotion. But wouldn’t it have been nice to hear instead, “Praise God!” or at least a more PG version of the exclamation? Am I being too nitpicky here, or are the commentators falling into the same “hero worship” trap with Scheffler that they did with Tiger Woods?

The trouble is, this wasn’t the only instance of Scheffler getting emotional in a not-so-good way. In a recent round of the U.S. Open (another “major” tournament), he slammed his club after one too many errant shots. He was later shown in a heated discussion with his coach on the practice range – someone who’s been in this role since Scheffler was a youngster. Do these outbursts, along with a more tense demeanor overall, indicate that Scheffler is succumbing to the pressure of unmanageable expectations similar to what Tiger Woods did? The kind of undue pressure that one puts on oneself needs a place to go, with or without God in the picture. Maybe he needs to re-read Phil 4:12 and remember the One who got him this far, before he blows his top again.

P.S. After watching Scheffler again this weekend, he seems be returning to his calmer self. My point was not to "hero worship" him, or anyone else, besides Jesus Himself.