Seven Days in Augusta: My Book Review, Sans Expectations

As written in my last post, I have learned to embrace a philosophy of low to no expectations. I don't take naturally to this way of seeing the world, but like a lot of things in life, it's important to remember that we don't have to get there alone. Let my book review of "Seven Days in Augusta: Behind the Scenes at the Masters" serve as my example.

I doubt that Mark Cannizzaro, a columnist for the New York Post and the author of this book would appreciate that introduction for his latest work. However, that is exactly how the text came to me.

My friend Lesley —one of my favorite golfing buddies—and I speak a lot of sports. She is tuned into the San Francisco Giants, our local sports station: KNBR, Golden State Warriors and of course the PGA/LPGA. When I saw her copy of "Seven Days in Augusta," I was excited to hear her impression. I picked it up and enthusiastically asked,  How was it? Lots of great stories? KNBR radio host Brian Murphy had lavished such praise, I felt for but a moment as though I were holding the golden ticket.

She told me, "for all the air time and hype it got, this book is not at all what I thought it would be.  It jumps all over the place. There are so many necessary edits, I wanted to grab a red pen and make changes. Even Phil's intro was lackluster." I thought to myself "that's too bad." I shrugged my shoulders and put it in my bag anyway. Expectations GONE.

I cannot tell you just how much I enjoyed this read. For one, the subject is among my favorites. I went to The Masters on Saturday and Sunday in 2016. Though the outcome wasn't what many golf fans had hoped for (the defending champion Spieth led by five shots when he made the turn, made a quadruple-bogey 7 at the 12th. He tied for second place, 3 shots behind the winner), I did see two holes-in-one that day. Just to experience what I have long watched on television was super special. To combine my memories and impressions with Cannizzarro's  anecdotes, traditions, history and stories was delightful. 

The foreward— written by Phil Mickelson— includes stories that only a beloved athlete like him has to share. For example, he recalls legendary foursomes with past champions and athletic celebrities. In a practice round before the tournament, he played with future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady. Mickelson writes, "Tom said "Hey, listen. I've got to throw to [Patriot's receiver Julian] Edelman. I always throw a little bit to keep my arm sharp. Do you mind catching a few passes?" I can't believe Mickelson said "yes." I mean, I can—but is his hand insured?  

It was fascinating to read what each of his three championships meant to him. Not many golfers can give that take. Lefty said,

When I won the Masters for the first time in 2004, it was one of those moments that you kind of realize a dream. When you put stuff out there in the universe and you say, "This is what's going to happen, I'm going to do this," and then you actually do it...that's a cool moment. And that's what was happening for me when I won there for the first time." 

Whether or not Mickelson read "The Secret," I think there is something to be said for setting goals, creating a can-do mindset and then taking in the moment as it happens. Reading from this champion inspired me to consider how I do that in my life and remembering to tell my athletes to do the same.

"Seven Days in Augusta" is organized by days of the week, reflecting on a unique attribute of the tourney that corresponds to it. For example, Part One: Monday includes chapters entitled First Impressions, The Locals and The Paper.

I loved reading about the local rag, The Augusta Chronicle "which might as well be named the Masters Chronicle, because there isn't a publication on the planet that has done a better, more thorough and creative job on chronicling the history of the Masters than the local paper." 

Unfortunately, I did not pick up my own copy when I traveled to the second largest city in Georgia. However, reading about their paper sparked memories of "The Observer" —the student newspaper at Notre Dame. The Observer's back page featured sports stories. Without exception football was covered in extensive detail...but so was Bookstore Basketball, the world's largest five-on-five tourney. Features were so detailed and lengthy, we wondered if we read more about Bookstore heroes and heroines than the actual men's and women's hoops teams....

Given financial decline of the newspaper business and the digital revolution, The Augusta Chronicle will likely become a part of Masters history. It should be no surprise that Cannizzaro included its import and I'm glad he did.

Part Two: Tuesday features The Dinner, The Town and The Tree. I can't wait to write a future blog post on the traditions and the menus that take place at the Dinner—a truly exclusive event, open only to past champions!

The Table of Contents speaks for itself. Beyond the Par-3 contest, the honorary starter, moving day, historic defeats and climatic victories, "Seven Days in Augusta" brings the people, place and events of The Masters to life.

I am pretty sure I have passed on a vignette from "Seven Days in Augusta" in nearly round of golf I have played since I read it. Spend enough time with me and you will learn that I want to eat at T-Bonz—a steakhouse that hosts the final dinner for caddies. Or, how lucky I feel  that I was able to attend the crown jewel of golf when I did. New security around tickets, makes that even more tough. 

I can see how this tournament is like Christmas week for those who live and work in Augusta. I passed by Hooters on Washington Road and even though John Daly might not be long for this world, I'm still not sure I want to stop by and have him sign any part of my anatomy. I have always been obsessed with the green jacket—Pantone 342. I knew that Sergio wore his jacket at this wedding but my favorite story involved the much maligned Patrick Reed who wore his to a Knicks game. Sitting court-side for the first time with his wife Justine, their seats were next to Chris Rock an 2-Chains. What happened is worth reading. The bottom line is that sports really do offer the gift of connection

Would I have enjoyed "Seven Days in Augusta" as much as I did if my expectations were different? Maybe....but maybe not. 

What I have always found interesting is that we find books, but quite often—books find us. This was one of those and I'm grateful to Lesley and to reading it with no expectations. 

ENJOY!

Photo Credits
Phil Wins
Masters Pins
Book Cover
Reed at Knicks Game

The Sports Hangover....of a different kind

All week, I suffered from a mini-hangover. It lingered. It came and went at a varying intensity. I didn't get this hangover from too much wine or champagne, or even vodka on the rocks. No, this hangover was different. Though I wasn't physically sick, I can't deny it was there. Sports fans might understand; I know many athletes do.

The 2019 men's final at Wimbledon was truly one of the ages, an instant classic. But, I couldn't let go of the outcome. As I recalled the match with friends, I couldn't help but feel bummed—for a lack of a better word. The 37-year old number two player in the world, Roger Federer didn't lose a single game. He did, however, lose the match. Staving off two match points—his opponent—Novak Djokovic beat him in three tie breaks in five sets. As much as I felt the loss—that ache, I wondered What it must feel like for the athlete, for their spouse, their coach, "team" and friends? Hungover, but in a different kind of way, is my guess.

I have read about said hangovers before. In the movie "Venus and Serena" Venus Williams, a five time Wimbledon champion admitted that after she lost, she didn't get out of bed for a week. Phil Mickelson has as much before, too. It wasn't after his fatal fall at the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot. According to Golf News.Net 

The reigning (British) Open champion had what he described was his best chance to finally capture the elusive U.S. Open in June. Instead, he came up short against Justin Rose, posting a sixth second-place finish in the championship -- only adding to a record no one wants to own. 

In an appearance on 'Today" on NBC,  Mickelson said, "My worst, hardest loss of my career was the U.S. Open just a month ago. For days, I didn’t get out of bed; I was tired." 

Once again, however, it was Mickelson's family that helped pulled him out of the funk. 

"It was a trip that we had to Montana that kind of got me out of my funk and I realized that I’m playing great golf, and I can’t let one loss affect the rest of my year," he said.

Fortunately for Fed, the circumstances are slightly different. There is no Grand Slam out of his reach. With eight single's championships, he is not only the winningest man in Wimbledon history, he has twelve others, 20 major championships in all. But what made this win so desirable is to see what we don't often see in a sport like tennis. The great enemy of every athlete is age. Fed responded to that truth by smiling and sharing "I hope I give some other people a chance to believe that at 37, it's not over yet." It does. And BTW: The Maestro will be 38 when he plays the fourth and final Grand Slam of the year, the US Open.

I think it is important to feel these hangovers and to let them linger. That storm cloud may need to rain for one day, or maybe for three. But it's not a condition or characteristic of today's athletes alone. In the film 'Hogan: Perseverance" Bantam Ben Hogan admitted his struggle in defeat. 

On the 71st hole of the 1960 US Open at Cherry Hills Country Club, in Denver CO, Hogan hit a wedge loaded with backspin that went into the water, essentially ending what was another bid for a fifth championship title. He said, "I find myself walking up at night thinking of that shot. Right today. How many years has that been? That's been 23 years ago and there isn't a month that goes by that that doesn't cut my guts out." Wow. 

I don't know what Fed will say weeks, months or even years after the loss. Business Insider wrote,

After the match, Federer was graceful in defeat, joking with the crowd while speaking in his post-match interview. Federer was congratulated for his brilliant performance, with BBC presenter and former Grand Slam champion Sue Barker saying it was a final we would "remember forever."

"I will try to forget," Federer replied, earning laughs and cheers from the crowd.

I'm not sure he will...or I will. I do not believe that a person is strange or selfish, if they are depressed or down after a loss. Why? These contests and competitions are great because we see humanity at its best. We see men and women giving everything—physically, emotionally and spiritually. They literally having nothing left in the tank. Their cup cannot runneth over, that is, unless it's spiked with adrenaline. 

Family, friends and fans can't expect to see one face of greatness—the joy, exuberance and triumph without realizing there might be another. 

The fortnight of Wimbledon is a special time of year. New wine was poured into both new and old wineskins. We drank it all. In spite of the "other" type of hangover, I'd do it again. Thank you Fed. Congratulations Joker!

Photo Credits
Heart on hand
Loss at Merion
Staying Positive
Tough Loss

When Losing is Winning: Thank you Phil Mickelson for helping golf grow

Jordan Spieth won the 2015 Masters by shooting a remarkable 18 strokes under par; a historic low score he shares with Tiger Woods. Few people remember those who finish second, but not in that major. Justin Rose posted an impressive 14 under par at the finish. After his round, a sportscaster asked Rose what he would have done differently. "Nothing," he said. His words were without bitterness or sarcasm. He added, "the only thing I needed to do was play better than Jordan, and today that wasn't possible." I was reminded of his words at the conclusion of the 2016 British Open; I wouldn't have been surprised if Phil Mickelson said the same thing. 

This year's finish reminded me there are different ways athletes win and a variety of paths to a championship title. Sometimes a victory is born from an epic collapse (2016 Masters). Other times a lead is so strong, the win is earned without much contest (2014 World Series). Some wins aren't even possible to watch given our personal biases or the intensity of a given rivalry that colors our vision (2016 NBA Finals). But the 2016 Open was one to appreciate for the sake of what it was—near match play competition between two exciting competitors. Though it didn't come down to the 18th hole—akin to a game 7 in MLB or NBA finals—both men raised the game of golf and one another in the process. When that type of win transpires, it helps golf grow. 

I am a Phil Mickelson fan for simple reasons. I've always loved a lefty (even though he's right handed), I like his aggressive style of play (it's cost him...and I'm ok with that), I admire his 28 year relationship with his caddy Jim "Bones" Mackay, I think gamblers can be fun (sorry!) and and any time a professional athlete is older than me, I celebrate their achievements. For example, I was upset when Tim Duncan retired not because I think he's such a classy and talented athlete, but I was sad to lose someone over 40 still making a run for it! Mickelson turned 46 in June. Therefore my bias toward Mickelson over Stenson, permitted the camera—otherwise known as my eyes and mind—to go out of its way to watch him on the course. I found myself psychoanalyzing his every move. I asked myself What is his body language suggesting? Why isn't Phillie walking with Bones right now. How much does he love finishing his putt first? 

In my humble and limited observations, amidst the pressure of every single shot on Sunday, my take away from the final round is that Phil truly enjoyed the competition. Shooting a bogey free Sunday at 6 under par, the highlight had to have been the eagle he made on the fourth hole. His putting was excellent and were the golf gods just a little bit kinder, more than two of them would have fallen (including the putt on 18 on the first day. It lipped out...he posted a 63 instead of a 62). But they didn't....and Henrik Stenson who has been flirting with a major longer than people might think was incredibly precise. I believe Germans are known for precision, but I'd like to make a case for his Swedish engineering of the game.

Some competitors lose sight of the larger game that is unfolding before them. I know because I've been that athlete, but I can't say that was true of Phil Mickelson during the Open final. He recognized good strokes and putts by Stenson, he smiled when the Swede completed an incredible up and down, rather than pouting or walking away without acknowledging what he did. He offered an extensive congratulations to Stenson—the number six player in the world— upon his victory. The face to face dialogue reminded me of the exchange between Payne Stewart and him at the US Open, Pinehurst in 1999. But in that duel, not this one, the man ushering the warm words was the victor, not the one who walked away in defeat. 

Henrik Stenson will represent his country at the 2016 Olympic games in Rio, but other golfers like Rory McIlroy have opted out. McIlroy, himself a former Open champion explained "I didn't get into golf to try and grow the game. I got into golf to win championships and win majors."

I will be blogging about McIlory's comments soon as every fiber of my being disagrees with his outlook. Though I believe professional athletes must have a mindset that their goal is to win championships and win majors, I also believe it can and should be done in a way that grows the game. I think Mickelson's words affirm that it did: "I played close to flawless golf and was beat. It's probably the best I've played at not won. But Henrik made 10 birdies, so what are you going to do?" Like Justin Rose said, "nothing."

Phil, you may have lost on Sunday, but you have won the respect of the man who holds the 2016 Claret Jug and most especially those who love the game of golf. I hope you and Stenson said three powerful words as you walked off the course: "We did that." You did....he just did it better.  Thank you

Photo Credits
Two champions
Stenson and Mick
Thumbs up
YES

The Beauty of the Masters

At lunch on Monday, riding high from the Masters tourney, I cornered the JV boys golf coach and another colleague who spends 10 days every summer golfing in Scotland. I told them "I can't wait to talk to you two." I wanted nothing more than to geek out and talk about The Masters for the next 40 minutes.

Another colleague saw us and said "Is it all golf talk at this table?" I wanted to run pass interference against her so we would not have to curtail our conversation. I responded with an emphatic "yes" but she sat down anyway. It was at that point, I realized just how many others enjoyed the 2015 Masters too It wasn't just a day for golf enthusiasts. Sports fan and non-sports fan alike were witnesses to an incredible day, an awesome feat, good stories and true beauty.

With this blog post, I'd like to offer a few things worth remembering.

• Every good story becomes better when told by a great narrator. The announcers at The Masters are second to none. I love the sing-song brogue of Northern Ireland's David Ferhety and the British accent of Nick Faldo nearly lulls you to sleep. And Jim Nantz gives it the class and authority the first of the four majors deserves. 

• Several of their comments will stay with me. In addition to some players having "nerves of titanium," these are good ones.
• We talk about learning from mistakes all the time.
  Sometimes I am wary of this adage as I tell my students that some mistakes in life are too big to make, the consequences too grave. But in many domains, it's true, mistakes can be our best teachers. And that was important for no one more than Jordan Spieth. Perhaps you remember his performance in the 2014 Masters. As written for CBS Sports
• He entered the final round tied at 5-under, but Watson shot 69 to Spieth's 72. Jonas Blixt finished alongside Spieth in second place at 5-under
  But none of that was predictable given the way the day began. A birdie at the par-5 2nd got Spieth moving in the right direction. Then, at No. 4, he holed a thrilling bunker shot to move two strokes ahead of Watson. Spieth gave one back at No. 5, but then rolled in consecutive birdies at Nos. 6 & 7.
• It started to come unraveled for Spieth at the wrong time, since it perfectly coincided with Watson's charge. Spieth had a two-stroke lead on the tee at No. 8, and he started the second nine two strokes off Watson's pace after consecutive bogeys.that
• Nothing unraveled this year for Jordan Spieth. And Sir Nick Faldo made note of it when he said, "All the greats learn from their mistakes and do it quickly. That is a mark of a champion." Translation: for those seeking excellence, implement change sooner rather than later. Here, here.

• Fortune Falls on the Brave:
• If are looking for a putting clinic, perhaps I can recommend just watching Spieth during the final round. He did so much, so well. His line, his pace, his aim. Mastery. Phil Mickelson knew he would need to do the same in order to recover from being four shots behind the leader. He did what he could and went for it. We knew he would.

Phil had a great putt but it missed on this hole. He was still able to smile & enjoy the feat. So close...

• Dark Colors and Aggression:
• In one of my favorite comments, Mickelson said he would be wearing dark colors on Sunday. "It's been proven that NFL teams that wear dark colors play more aggressively and that's what I will need to do tomorrow." Atta boy Phillie. Anyone who really knows you speaks of how competitive you are. I love the fact that you aimed to do what men wearing helmets and full pads aim to do. Be aggressive. You went for it..and we love that.
• You are Not Bo Jackson:
• As written in the Bleacher Report, Tiger Woods dispels major doubts about his game and finishes all four rounds at Augusta, but not without incident as he injures his wrist in Sunday’s final round of the Masters. He"jammed his iron into a tree root on the ninth hole and hurt his right wrist. He said, 'a bone kinda popped out and a joint kind of went out of place, but I put it back in.' If you were watching you saw that hitting the tree root caused him to yell out in pain and shake his wounded extremity."
• My two favorite Sports Talk radio announcers had a hey-day with this. Not long ago, Tiger talked about "deactivating his glutes." In the history of the game, not once has a golfer spoke of their gluteal muscle(s). Tiger, however, speaks of putting his joint back into place and/or popping it back in. Murph & Mac wants Tiger to realize hs is not Bo Jackson—who really did pop his hip bone back into its socket. Watch Jackson run, take hits, climb walls, dive for catches and you will know he did. Sorry Tiger, your tree root, your 7 iron and your hand convinced no one.

Walking off with his parents Shawn & Chris

• On the final hole, Justin Rose, the second place finisher, who was partnered with Spieth throughout the day, held back on the walk to the final green. A gracious competitor, he did this so Spieth could take in the applause, cheers and sight of what was about to happen: his first major victory.
  
  That moment gets me every time. It is timeless. I get completely choked up and tears fill my eyes. I asked myself Why does this happen? What is it? I shared my question with a few others and I came to an important realization. When you see beauty, pure and true, it moves the heart. I can't help but capture your emotions and strike something deep within.
  
  Quite often, we are moved to tears when we see beauty in a newborn, at a friend's wedding or in a moment of reconciliation. Where we find beauty is as unique as we are. I happen to find it on a golf course in Augusta, Georgia. I find it in a game played at the highest level, exposing the talents and gifts of a young man. I see it in the love and support of his parents, grandfather, girlfriend Annie and three closest friends from Dallas Jesuit as he walked to the clubhouse.
  
  I can't wait to see it again...I know what will happen when I do. Tears, a movement of the heart and a deep desire to share it all with those I know love that beauty as much as I do. Maybe it should be said "And on the 7th day, the Lord watched a round of golf"...because He did.

Photo Credits
Phil Mickelson
Green Jacket

US Open 2013: Looking for Grace

Last Thursday I attended the Catholic Professionals breakfast in San Jose where local Mercury sportswriter, Mark Purdy, was the keynote speaker. I loved his stories, dedication to his craft and his personal motto: "opinion on demand." He made me consider as the author of this blog what mine might be. It is: "looking for grace."  

Every sporting event I attend or participate in, I look for it. I wait to discover where grace will show up, when it will unfurl and how it will surprise me, sometimes reluctantly. The 2013 US Open was no exception.  

That being said, there was no reason for me to take any satisfaction in the 32-year old English champion, Justin Rose. None. The script being written for 5-time runner up, Phil Mickelson was just too good. With a one stroke lead going into the final round, grace was about to reign supreme.  

Even Phil must have conceded at some point, that grace was on his side.  How could it not be?  The final round of the 113th United States Open was being held on his 43rd birthday and on Father's day. Mickelson's own father, Phil Senior was at Merion Country Club while his wife Amy and their three daughters were at home in Rancho Santa Fe, CA a place that he decided to return to for 24-hours so he could attend his eldest daughter's eighth grade graduation.  

This was the daughter that was born shortly after the 1999 US Open. Golf fans know about this special young woman, Amanda, as her legend lives large.  Mickelson wore a beeper on the course, claiming that if his wife, Amy went into labor he would leave the tourney to join her at the hospital.  He finished the tourney as runner up to Payne Stewart.  Since then, he has been the runner up five, now six times.

Philly-fans hoped this would be the year. Indeed, grace was on-edge as Mickelson double-bogeyed the third and fifth holes but had everyone believing all was not lost as Lefty nailed an eagle shot on the 10th hole. Hope was alive.

And yet, a telling stat reveals what went wrong. Mickelson had more putts on the day than any other player. 

As Mickelson missed a putt for birdie on 16, Justin Rose was approaching 18.  The writing was on the wall. Every fan knew that Mickelson would need to birdie one of the last two holes, one of which no one in the tourney had done.

I waited to see what Justin Rose would do. I was hoping he would collapse, that he would flank it way left, that his ball would be forever lost in the rough. Instead, he "striped his drive into the fairway, then hit an excellent second shot that trickled through the green." He then nearly holed the chip for birdie, settling for a par that all but sealed his victory. 

He walked toward the iconic wicker basket flag with tears in his eyes. As he looked skyward, I came to learn that he had one coach growing up--his father, Ken, who died of leukemia in 2002. 

As written on ESPN Golf, "I was trying to keep it together, obviously, because I didn't want to be premature. Phil had two holes to play. But that was my time, the clouds had parted, it was kind of ironic. It was just a beautiful evening. And the way it worked out, I felt like I needed to do that." And there we have it, grace showed up. Damn it. Did he have to die of leukemia?  Did this sweet victory in some small way atone for all their family had endured. No. But grace has its own way....

Rose added, "Yes, the look up to the heavens was absolutely for my dad; Father's Day was not lost on me today. You don't have opportunities to really dedicate a win to someone you love. And today was about him and being Father's Day. My dad was the inspiration the whole day."

It's not at every Sunday mass, but whenever we say the Apostles' Creed, I give pause when we say "I believe in the communion of saints." I do. I say it with conviction and reverence for what it is.  I believe in the holy men and women—Saints and saints—who have gone before us.  Death is not an end; it is entry into a new relationship.  Justin Rose's father was still coaching him on Sunday, on Father's Day. He didn't make Justin win, but he was with him—in love—every step of the way.

I looked for grace on Sunday and I found it—reluctantly but beautifully. Don't take grace on a journey. Who knows what you will find. But I will...and I'm considering changing my motto. How is "Grace on demand?"

Photo Credits
Rose points to heaven
Rose prevails
Phillie Eagles
Payne Stewart Embrace

Oprah's Top 5 "What I Know For Sure"

Tomorrow is my final day of teaching seniors.  It is a day of thanksgiving for all we have learned, shared and discovered this past semester. It is a time to impart wisdom and warm wishes.  As taken from the woman who hired me--teacher, prophet, activist, advocate for the poor, and now the proud owner of a signed copy of Martin Sheen's book Along the Way,  I salute Mary Ahlbach and the Top 5 of her "10 Things I know for sure."  I've added with Sports & Spirituality.
 

5. God loved you first.  Love God in return through loving others and our heart will be filled with joy and peace (Cura Personalis). “Do small things with great love.” (Mother Teresa)

The last thing I expected from a former NFL defensive lineman who played with the Baltimore Colts for 8-years is a coaching philosophy rooted in love.  However, Joe Ehrmann, who now serves as the defensive coordinator at the Gilman School preaches this loud and clear.

The Pultizer prize-winning book Season of Life, reveals his “man for others” philosophy it becomes reality.  He asks them:

“What is our job as coaches?”
“To love us,” the boys yelled back in unison.
“What is your job?” Joe shot back.
“To love each other,” the boys responded.
The words were spoken with the familiarity of a mantra, the commitment of an oath, the   enthusiasm of a pep rally.
This was football?

Yes it is.  Joe Ehrmann knows how to do “small things” with great love.  He makes it a priority.  In fact, it’s his philosophy. 

4. “Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.”  (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ).  Laugh often and much. Stop complaining. Only listen to music that feeds your soul. Marry someone who makes you laugh for all the right reasons. One smile exercises something like 120 muscles in your face.

Joy: I pulled up to AT&T Park and said to my two friends in town from Denver, CO—“welcome to the home of the 2010 World Series champions.”  Two years later it still feels so good to say that; I delight in every word. 

Indeed, certain games, athletes, teams and accomplishments have brought great joy to my life.  Enough that we can recall those moments of who/what/where/why and when years later.  And, when I do, I can’t help but have a smile on my face and joy—deep joy in my heart.

Stop Complaining: The late Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture lives by the same mantra.  In his presentation on Oprah he “tells on himself. “ He shares that when he was working on his doctorate, he started to complain to his mother about the taxing workload.  He was tired and mentally exhausted.  He found a different kind of sympathy from his mom. 
She said “Talk to your father; he knows just how you feel. When he was your age he was fighting the Germans (in WWII).  So much for complaining…. 

He then shows a slide of Jackie Robinson, the first black major league baseball player. It was in his contract not to complain, even when the fans spit on him. Men and women aren’t born heroes.  They are born when opportunity and adversity meet.   Just one of the many reasons this Hall of Famer is beloved by so many.

3. Feel loved by God as if you were the only human God had ever created, both spiritually and physically.  And treat yourself, mind, body, spirit, accordingly.  “All is gift. All is grace. All is holy.” 

I hate everything about the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum—it is the home of the Trojans, USC’s home turf, set in LA—all of it, except for one thing. At the entrance is the Olympic gateway that commemorates the 1984 Olympic games.  Rising 25 feet above the ground, are two bronze torsos—one male and one female athlete.

This work of art reveals that the human body is truly a gift, it is grace and it is holy.  An athlete’s body is a machine—it is primed and sculpted.  It is more than a means to an end.  It is a vehicle for grace and victory, triumph and glory.   It should be honored in every possible way.  I hate the Coliseum, but that work of art leaves me breathless.

2. Remember……the penguin is real. (story attached)

Unfortunately, I don’t have the story available.  The closest example I can give is to point you to “Field of Dreams.”  Ray and Annie Kinsella, their daughter Karin and Terrence Mann and can see the baseball players who and Ray’s brother in law, Mark cannot.  Those ghosts are real.   Believing is seeing.

1. “Hold your parents tenderly, for the world is a far, far colder place without them.” (Emily Dickinson)

I once read a study that confirmed every great athlete has at least one parent who (or parent type figure) who helped them get to where they are today.  Parents believe in us when no one else does, can or should. Case in point, even Tiger Woods’ mother was at his first official press conference after the world learned of his “transgressions.”  I don’t know how she did it, but his world at that point was already frigid.  Perhaps his mother made it less so.

The final round of the U.S Open (golf) takes places every year on Father’s Day.  In 1999, Phil Mickelson’s wife Amy was supposed to deliver their first child that very day, as he battled for the championship title. With a pager on his belt should he need to leave, Mickelson lost to the late, great Payne Stewart by one stroke.

Stewart cupped Mickelson’s face in his hands and said, “I know you’re disappointed.  But something far more important is about to happen. You’re going to become a father. Your life with never be the same.”

Perhaps it is only when we become a parent that we fully understand the love or our own parents. Regardless, they will not always be with us.  Let us cherish the time together.

Photo Credits

Stewart and Mickelson
Jackie Robinson 42
LA Coliseum
Field of Dreams
Joe Ehrmann

Not My Valentine: Tiger Woods Revisited

On this Valentine’s Day, Tiger Woods is the last person I should write about. But considering today is also “Single Awareness Day” or “Black Monday,” it may be time to follow up on Tiger Woods: Where is the (word) Love?

On February 19, 2010 Woods made his first public appearance following the full disclosure of his “transgressions” when he delivered a prepared, public statement. I listened to all fourteen minutes; he never once said the word "love." Tiger apologized and vowed to change his ways—yet he did so without informing his fans, sponsors and the media that he loves his wife, loves his family, or loves the game of golf. I walked away from his talk and thought not about what he said, but what he didn't say....and that says a lot.

Tiger completed the press conference and we waited with baited breath: How would he perform at the Masters? Would he continue to dominate the sport as he had in the previous decade?

I admit, I cheered for him at the Masters out of desire to know as an athlete, was he that good that he could put his personal life aside. The mental demands of golf are tremendous. Did Tiger have command of the sport in such a way that he could check his personal problems at the door? Inquiring minds—or at least mine—wanted to know.

The irony of the 2010 Masters could not have been scripted better. Golf and sports fans alike watched as Phil Mickelson captured his third title. His wife and the mother of his three children met him at the 18th hole to congratulate him. Amy Mickelson had done that many times—only not previously as a woman who was fighting breast cancer. Due to chemotherapy, she wasn’t even strong enough to watch him most days of the tournament. Amy mustered the strength to do so on that fateful Sunday. We are all glad she did. For once the golf gods got it right.

Tiger fared well—maybe better than many expected with his fourth place finish. And from that day forward, I was no longer interested in his accomplishments.

At the US Open in Pebble Beach in June, I was completely disgusted when he received a standing ovation at this first tee. This is not a man who overcame the death or a child or beaten cancer. Why we in the sports world should support and rally behind Tiger is unclear to me.

Infidelity, deceit and divorce hurts all of us whether we know it or not.

And it has obviously taken its toll on the former number one player in the world. Just this past weekend, Tiger was one stroke off the lead going into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. When he shot a 75 on Sunday, he finished 7 strokes behind the leader.

Golf is physical—it demands great hand-eye coordination. It involves skill for the long and short game, strength, and flexibility. But it is obviously just as mentally demanding. Analysts recognize that Tiger’s swing is off. He needs to adjust and make changes. As physical as that sounds—it’s 80% mental.

Golf is tremendously mental…and so is love. And what human does not want to love and be loved. Even before the "fall," Tiger was human, right? We treated him for a long time like he wasn’t. Perhaps that is what we see today on the golf course—a human being named Tiger Woods, extremely talented at the game of golf. Working on his mental game….and love.

Photo Credits
Elin & Tiger
Mickelson Family
Lone Tiger