Tom Watson came in second at the British Open, after losing a four-hole playoff to Stewart Cink. But still, what a performance for a 59-year-old in a major sporting event! He beat a field of 154 young whippersnappers, the best golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods. We fifty-somethings can take great encouragement from Watson’s performance.
Tom Watson, our hero
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Being from Kansas City, MO, I love to root for Tom Watson. You will be hard-pressed to find a guy who plays with more class or helps people the way he does.
The final putt on 18 (to win) is a classic case of the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. Being 58, I could relate all too well to the emotional drain of missing a winning putt, but he did manage to have a putt to win which is more than the rest of the field can offer.
I played golf today with some friends. Putts left short were said to have been “Watson-ed” but the commenter above is absolutely right. What an achievement!
When I was growing up my Dad had the same appreciation for old George Blanda trotting out to kick an extra point or a field goal back in the 70’s. At age 43 he was the oldest quarterback to play in a championship game, and at age 48, he kicked a 41 yard yield goal and made an extra point in the 1975 AFC Championship Game. As I am now an old dude I can understand why seeing Blanda run out to kick put a smile on my Dad’s face.