Twitter: @Streels54
Hometown: Wheaton, Ill.
Alma mater: Duke University
Notes:
• Turned pro in 2001 and made his PGA Tour debut in 2007
• Won the 2009 Kodak Challenge
• Won his first career PGA Tour tournament at the 2013 Tampa Bay Championship
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.’”– Joshua 1:9
In March 2013, 12 years after turning pro, Kevin Streelman finally reached the pinnacle of golf by winning his first PGA Tour event—the Tampa Bay Championship. The Wheaton, Ill., native’s professional journey is no longer solely about victory, but instead about entrusting everything—both the good and bad—to His Savior, the One who walks the course of life with him every day.
FCA: What were the early days as a pro like for you?
KS: Those times were very difficult but also some of my greatest learning moments. I spent a lot of time by myself, crisscrossing the country in my mom’s old Nissan Altima to play in whatever tournament I could, splitting rooms at Motel 6s with other struggling golfers. Times were tough, and I didn’t have much money, but I also forged a pretty strong work ethic and belief in what I was doing.
FCA: Was your faith strengthened during that time?
KS: In those early years, I had fallen away from the church and the Lord. Looking back, it’s amazing how He still had me in His strong grip.
Reading “Golf's Sacred Journey” by Dr. David Cook early in my career was a turning point. I was that mini-tour golfer whose identity was so wrapped up in his scores. It was such a shallow existence, and I didn’t want to be that person anymore. My girlfriend [now wife] Courtney and I realized that, if we really believed who Jesus was and what He did for us, it was time for us to start walking the walk. We walked back to the Lord together, and our relationships with Him and each other have never been stronger.
FCA: How did that impact you as you joined the PGA Tour?
KS: I made winning too important for so long in my life. As soon as I won [the Tampa Bay Championship], I realized how unimportant it truly was. I absolutely loved that Sunday afternoon; the heat of the battle and competing on every shot was a blast. I had achieved what I thought I wanted for my whole career, but 30 minutes afterwards it was all done—just like that.
I tell kids all the time that, if you’re relying on success to fill you up, then you’re in for a sad realization. A daily walk with Jesus Christ as your Savior will fill you up infinitely more than winning every single week on Tour. It took me a long time to learn that and truly believe it.
FCA: What have you learned about yourself through the game?
KS: I have really tried to focus on the long-term journey and know it's going to be a slow, steady rise to the abundance of His Kingdom. That has calmed everything down and has allowed me to win and reach the Top 50 in the world. It wasn't done by hitting a zillion more golf balls or a thousand extra putts. It was more about changing my mental outlook, understanding that He loves us and He’s never going to leave us. Fully committing to Him brings true freedom.
FCA: Why have you been such a big supporter of FCA Golf?
KS: When I first met [FCA Golf’s] Ben Bost, I was just 22. He has been there for me through the good times and bad. When I saw what he was doing with FCA, I knew I wanted to be involved and help him as much as he helped me.
Together, we wanted to help impact kids in a positive way while we travel across the country. The FCA Golf Gameday program was borne out of the idea that we could talk with the kids as peers and friends and they could ask hard questions about their faith and the game. The coolest thing about it is that we’ve not only impacted kids, but also a lot of parents along the way.
*****
FCA Staff Quote:
"As Kevin has worked his way up the world rankings, his commitment to his faith in Jesus Christ has been even greater than his commitment to becoming a world class golfer. It is a great joy to work alongside him to expand the Kingdom of God through the game.” –Ben Bost, FCA Golf Senior Director
Originally Published: July 2013
Photos courtesy of the US PGA Tour and Getty Images