Players Mentioned
Scotland Women’s Golf Mission Trip Reflection 2: Laughter, Links, and Little Moments of Grace
8/6/2025 6:39:00 AM | Women's Golf, Spiritual Formation
Today was one of those days that makes you pause, smile, and think, "Wow, God really shows up in the details."
We started our morning with a true Scottish breakfast. Let it be known: Christina wins the award for bravery—she went all in with a full scoop of haggis, beans and toast, scrambled eggs, and sliced tomato. Not exactly your average campus dining experience, but definitely one for the books.
One of the most surprising—and honestly heartwarming—moments of the day happened before we ever reached the golf course. As we sat down to eat, people kept stopping us after noticing our Lipscomb gear. A woman, glowing with excitement, introduced herself as a 1980 Lipscomb graduate. You could see the joy in her eyes. Just minutes later, we met someone from Mount Juliet. And as we stepped outside, we were stopped again—this time by a group of eight women from Nashville, all visiting the same corner of Scotland. It's wild to think that, purely by chance, ten fellow Bison fans ended up in the same place as the five of us—all the way across the ocean. It felt like a little wink from God, reminding us how small and beautiful the world can be.
At the junior golf camp, our hearts were filled over and over again. One of the biggest joys today was just laughing—with each other and with Coach Shannon. The laughter felt pure and full, like something sacred. "I saw God in that space today—laughter, fellowship, and living life together," Christina Surcey shared. "I just felt that He was with us and with the campers, filling us with joy and spreading it throughout the day."
There's something powerful about showing up with love and energy—even when you don't think you have it. Savannah G put it best: "After not getting the best sleep last night, my prayer was to have the energy to be 100% present with these young golfers and show them all the love I can. I saw God in the constant energy boosts He gave me throughout the day!" It's moments like those where you realize how deeply God works, not just through us but in us.
Tina had a good laugh over lunch—four sandwiches, chips, and drinks for just $20 total. "Way different than in the States!" she said. A small thing, maybe, but still one of the many little surprises that made us stop and appreciate the day.
From a coaching perspective, it was inspiring to see how many young girls were eager to learn the game of golf. "It's amazing how God can use the game we love as a platform to minister to these young girls," Savannah Goodman reflected. Their curiosity, talent, and joy lit up the whole course.
Sav Howell noted how surreal it was to see the different landscapes of Scotland—and even more so, how much she learned from the kids themselves. "They play golf a different way than we do," she said, recalling how surprised some campers were by her chipping style. "It inspired me to try their technique… the courses are built so differently here." That spirit of mutual learning reminded us all that we're not just here to teach—we're here to grow, too.
Tzu shared how she saw God again in the nature around us—the care with which the Scots tend their land, the polish and pride in every property. "We were able to contribute our intentionality and attention to a community… walking alongside others," she said. The talent of the young golfers wasn't just impressive—it was a beautiful surprise in itself.
Finally, as we wrapped up the day, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the relationships that continue to bloom. Shannon reflected on how special it is to reconnect with coaching partners from summers past. "To now encounter one another and already have a sense of what we each want to do—provide joy and growth in the game of golf for all the kids—is really special."
Whether it's walking the course or sitting around the table, this sport continues to be a space where community grows—where encouragement flows, and where we see God in the middle of both the great shots and the not-so-great ones. "There are not many sports that allow you to play and fellowship at the same time."
Today was full of laughter, surprises, and connection—from the breakfast table to the bunkers. We're tired in the best way possible. And we're thankful—so deeply thankful—for the chance to walk these Scottish fairways, shoulder to shoulder, with Scottish friends, and God right there in step.
We started our morning with a true Scottish breakfast. Let it be known: Christina wins the award for bravery—she went all in with a full scoop of haggis, beans and toast, scrambled eggs, and sliced tomato. Not exactly your average campus dining experience, but definitely one for the books.
One of the most surprising—and honestly heartwarming—moments of the day happened before we ever reached the golf course. As we sat down to eat, people kept stopping us after noticing our Lipscomb gear. A woman, glowing with excitement, introduced herself as a 1980 Lipscomb graduate. You could see the joy in her eyes. Just minutes later, we met someone from Mount Juliet. And as we stepped outside, we were stopped again—this time by a group of eight women from Nashville, all visiting the same corner of Scotland. It's wild to think that, purely by chance, ten fellow Bison fans ended up in the same place as the five of us—all the way across the ocean. It felt like a little wink from God, reminding us how small and beautiful the world can be.
At the junior golf camp, our hearts were filled over and over again. One of the biggest joys today was just laughing—with each other and with Coach Shannon. The laughter felt pure and full, like something sacred. "I saw God in that space today—laughter, fellowship, and living life together," Christina Surcey shared. "I just felt that He was with us and with the campers, filling us with joy and spreading it throughout the day."
There's something powerful about showing up with love and energy—even when you don't think you have it. Savannah G put it best: "After not getting the best sleep last night, my prayer was to have the energy to be 100% present with these young golfers and show them all the love I can. I saw God in the constant energy boosts He gave me throughout the day!" It's moments like those where you realize how deeply God works, not just through us but in us.
Tina had a good laugh over lunch—four sandwiches, chips, and drinks for just $20 total. "Way different than in the States!" she said. A small thing, maybe, but still one of the many little surprises that made us stop and appreciate the day.
From a coaching perspective, it was inspiring to see how many young girls were eager to learn the game of golf. "It's amazing how God can use the game we love as a platform to minister to these young girls," Savannah Goodman reflected. Their curiosity, talent, and joy lit up the whole course.
Sav Howell noted how surreal it was to see the different landscapes of Scotland—and even more so, how much she learned from the kids themselves. "They play golf a different way than we do," she said, recalling how surprised some campers were by her chipping style. "It inspired me to try their technique… the courses are built so differently here." That spirit of mutual learning reminded us all that we're not just here to teach—we're here to grow, too.
Tzu shared how she saw God again in the nature around us—the care with which the Scots tend their land, the polish and pride in every property. "We were able to contribute our intentionality and attention to a community… walking alongside others," she said. The talent of the young golfers wasn't just impressive—it was a beautiful surprise in itself.
Finally, as we wrapped up the day, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the relationships that continue to bloom. Shannon reflected on how special it is to reconnect with coaching partners from summers past. "To now encounter one another and already have a sense of what we each want to do—provide joy and growth in the game of golf for all the kids—is really special."
Whether it's walking the course or sitting around the table, this sport continues to be a space where community grows—where encouragement flows, and where we see God in the middle of both the great shots and the not-so-great ones. "There are not many sports that allow you to play and fellowship at the same time."
Today was full of laughter, surprises, and connection—from the breakfast table to the bunkers. We're tired in the best way possible. And we're thankful—so deeply thankful—for the chance to walk these Scottish fairways, shoulder to shoulder, with Scottish friends, and God right there in step.
Wednesday, June 17
Thursday, April 30
Thursday, April 02
Wednesday, March 04



























