Who Are Your Role Models?

True role models are those who possess the qualities that we would like to have and those who affect us in a way that makes us want to be better people. To advocate for ourselves and our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. We often don't recognize our true role models until we have noticed our own personal growth and progress . . .

With the PGA Tour reaching millions of people around the world, I wanted to take a look at the field and highlight a true role model.  Not just someone who's a great golfer, but someone who demonstrates a passion for life, is dedicated to more than just golf, but also to his family, his community and his faith.  Who did we find? None other than Ben Crane.

Ben won his PGA Tour card in 2002 and won his first event the following year in 2003 (the BellSouth Classic).  Since then he's won three more PGA tournaments and hopes to add to that list during 2012.  Ben has a lighthearted attitude towards life and a great personality that is driven largely by his faith.  His personality is characterized well in his series of online videos, if you haven't seen any of them, take a look at a couple of my favorites...

I mentioned faith being an integral part of Ben's life, here's an excert from BenCraneGolf.com where Ben addresses his views on his faith...

"I am currently in my 9th year on tour. God has taught me so much, brought me through all the ups and downs. There have been seasons of great success on the course and great struggle, including debilitating back pain where I thought my career was over. Through it all, God always has something to teach me. Looking back, his plan has been perfect. God has blessed me with an incredibly supportive wife and amazing children. We are honored and grateful to have a life filled with so much purpose as we desire to use this platform to be an encouragement to others. So many great friends and leaders in the faith have poured into me, encouraging me along the way. I have learned to live in the present, embrace the day and what lies ahead, and to rely on Jesus and his strength because that is when I am my best. I focus on scripture when I play and the devotional that we created has given me such life on the course. James 4:10 says, "when you bow down and admit your dependence on me, I will lift you up and give you honor." That has really rung true in my life -- as my dependence grows on Christ, my strength increases."

I hope you'll join us in cheering on Ben throughout the remainder of the 2012 season! Best of luck Ben, you are a true role model to us all!