"Your Holiness," said one of the Cardinals, "Mr. Sharon wants to challenge
you to a game of golf to show that you are old and unable to compete. 
I am afraid that this would tarnish our image in the world."

The Pope thought about this and since he had never held a golf club in his
life asked
"Don't we have a Cardinal to represent me?"

"None who plays golf very well," a Cardinal replied."But," he added, "there
is a man named Jack Nicklaus,
an American golfer, who is a devout Catholic. 

We can offer to make him a Cardinal, and then ask him to play Mr. Sharon as
your personal representative. 

In addition to showing our spirit of cooperation, we will also win the
match."

Everyone agreed that this was a great idea.  The call was made.  Of course,
Nicklaus was honoured

and he agreed to play as a representative of the Pope.

The day after the match, Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the Pope
of the result.

"This is Cardinal Nicklaus. 

I have some good news and some bad news, Holiness," said the golfer.

"Tell me the good news, Cardinal Nicklaus," said the Pope.

"Well, Your Holiness, I don't like to brag, but even though I have played
some pretty terrific rounds of golf in my life, this is the best I have ever
played, by far. 

I must have been inspired from above. 

My drives were long and true, my irons were accurate and purposeful, and my
putting was perfect.

With all due respect, my play was truly miraculous.

"How then can there be bad news?"

Nicklaus sighed "I lost by three strokes to Rabbi Tiger Woods."
 




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