The pope met with his cardinals to discuss a proposal from Benjamin
Netanyahu, the leader of Israel. "Your Holiness," said one of
the 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 considered it to be a good idea, but he had never held
a golf club in his hand. "Have we not a cardinal who can
represent me against the leader of Israel?" he asked. "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. Netanyahu as your personal representative. In addition
to showing our spirit of cooperation, we’ll also win the match."
Everyone agreed that it was a good idea.

The call was made, and, naturally, Nicklaus was honored and
agreed to play. On 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 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." "There’s bad news?" the Pope asked.
Nicklaus sighed. "I lost to Rabbi Tiger Woods by three
strokes."