As a smaller creator—however you want to label me—getting partnerships and brand deals is pretty cool. I genuinely enjoy working with people and serving both the audience and the brands I collaborate with. It’s fun, creative, and honestly motivating when someone believes in what you’re building.

But just a few days ago, the golf company I was partnered with dropped me as an ambassador.

I was bummed.

Not only because I was getting free, quality clubs, but because I loved the process. Going in, testing gear, fellowshipping with guys, and feeling like they saw the work I was putting into Golf and Gospel and into my craft as a golfer. It felt like alignment, not just business.

And suddenly, it was over.

At first, I was upset—specifically at the person who made the decision. It felt like an executive move that implied I wasn’t doing enough for the brand, or that I didn’t have enough influence to matter.

But then I had to pause and really think.

Impact goes far beyond influencing people to buy what I’m affiliated with.

Don’t get me wrong—of course I’d love for people to support brands I work with. Funny enough, I was never even given an affiliate link for the clubs in the first place, but that’s beside the point.

The bigger question is:
What kind of influence am I actually trying to have?

For me, it’s not just about what golf balls I hit or what clubs are in my bag. It’s about whether I’m proclaiming the gospel well. Are people being influenced to pray more? To find community? To work harder in their vocation? To think differently about faith, discipline, and purpose?

That’s real influence.

Partnerships are awesome. Being an ambassador for brands is cool. If I get them—great. If I don’t—that’s okay too. Because the best ambassador I can be isn’t for a golf company.

It’s for Christ.

And that’s the one affiliate link I hope actually gets clicks.