The Pope met with his Cardinals to discuss a proposal from Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader

of Israel. "Your Holiness",  said one of his Cardinals, Mr. Netanyahu wants to challenge you

to a game of golf to show the friendship and ecumenical spirit shared by the Jewish and

Catholic faiths."


The Pope thought this was a good idea, but he had never held a golf club in his hand. "Don't

we have a Cardinal to represent me?" he asked.


None that plays 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,

then ask him to play Mr. Netanyahu as your personal representative. In addition, to showing

our spirit of cooperation, we'll also win the match.


Everyone agreed it was a good idea. The call was made. Of course, Nicklaus was honored

and agreed to play. The day after the match, Nicklaus reported to the Vatican to inform the

Pope of the result. "I have some good news and some bad news,  your Holiness, " said the

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


Well, your Holiness, I don't like to brag, but even though I've played some pretty terrific

rounds of golf in my life, this was the best I have ever played, by far. I must've 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.


There's bad news? The Pope asked.


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