Anyone who knows me knows that the last thing I expected to be doing on Sunday afternoon was watching golf. Yet that’s what I did, and I’m happy to say so.
This report from the May 23 edition of The New York Times explains why:
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Weathering a riveting, roller-coaster test of nerve over five hours, Phil Mickelson, who will turn 51 next month, won the P.G.A. Championship on Sunday to become the oldest golfer to win a major championship. The record was previously held by Julius Boros, who was 48 when he won the 1968 P.G.A. Championship.
Mickelson shot six under par for the tournament, finishing two strokes ahead of the runners-up, Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen.
‘I hope that this inspires some to just put in that little extra work, because there’s no reason why you can’t accomplish your goals at an older age,’ Mickelson said after his round. ‘It just takes a little more work.’
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Hear, hear!
After all, just months ago, everyone was hailing Tom Brady as the living Dorian Gray for winning the Super Bowl at the old age of 43. Yet, in winning this championship at nearly 51, Phil made Tom look like an over-achieving rookie.
That said, despite all the sunshine in Kiawah, South Carolina, there’s no denying the dark shadow that was hovering over the golf course, especially on Sunday. Because, truth be told, I never thought I’d enjoy watching any golf match that did not feature Tiger Woods. And, if I ever did, I thought it would be because “a new Tiger” had captured my interest the way he did.
In fact, this blog is replete with commentaries declaring Tiger not only the biggest draw in golf, but in all sports. I refer you, for example, to “Golf: More about Tiger than the Game Itself,” July 25, 2014, “The Masters: All about Tiger Even When He Was Losing,” April 15, 2013, and “The US Open: Tiger, Tiger, Tiger!” June 17, 2008, which includes this damning admission:
If Tiger Woods is not playing, I’d rather watch paint dry than watch golf.
So imagine my surprise to find myself thoroughly hooked for 3 hours watching Phil on the back 9 on Sunday to win this P.G.A. Championship. I miss you Tiger. But Phil gave us a damn good show!
Of course, Tiger is still recovering from the injuries he sustained in that horrific car crash in February. And all indications are that it will be years before he returns to professional form, if he ever does.
But Phil’s victory might be just the inspiration Tiger needs not just to return to the Tour, but to win another major, or two. After all, he’s only 45.
Get well, Tiger.
Related commentaries:
Tiger… Get well, Tiger…
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