While passing through Rome in 1961, legendary golfer Sam Snead stopped in at the Vatican for an audience with Pope John.

Snead had been playing poorly and confessed as much to one of the papal officials: "I brought along my putter," he explained, "on the chance that the pope might bless it." The monsignor nodded sympathetically. "I know, Mr. Snead," he said. "My putting is absolutely hopeless too."

Snead regarded the man with a mixture of astonishment and dismay. "If you live here and can't putt," he exclaimed, "what chance is there for me!?"