The Open Championship

As I sat and contemplated on what to blog on today,  I turned on the television to see who and what was happening at the 138th British Open in Turnberry.   For the non golfer, the British Open is one of the four major championships that professional golfers battle for every year.  With Tiger Woods, the number one ranked golfer missing the cut, and Phil Mickelson, the number two golfer in the world not playing, the Open had no clear cut favorite heading to the weekend.  

As I tuned in, my first thought was how far Tom Watson had fallen off the leader board.  Mr. Watson is 2 months shy of 60 years old.  In an era of fitness freaks with regimented work out routines, traveling with your own chef, and clubs built for specific frame, strength, and weather conditions, a 60 year old is supposed to be no more than a ceremonial golfer.  Just don't tell that to Tom Watson.

Heading to the 16th hole, Tom Watson was 2 over par for the day and 1 shot off the lead, tied for third.  After making a 20 foot putt on the 16th hole, he was now tied for the lead. Mind you, this is a 60 year old golfer! Challenging the young "suds" of golfing. for  a "Major!"  Up next a Par 5, 551 yards of rough, sand traps and wind. Watson casually hit a drive up the left side of the fairway and left him 250 yards to the green.  You guessed it.... a great second shot and now he has a chance for an eagle. Watson missed his eagle putt and tapped in for a birdie.  Now, Tom Watson was sitting on top of the leader board! A 60 year old leading a major championship.  The best fields assembled for golf! And a 60 year old is leading. Simply amazing!!  Watson went on to make an easy par on the 18th hole.

So the stage is set.  Mr. Watson has a chance to make history tomorrow at Turnberry.  The oldest documented golfer to win a major was 46 years old. Tom is going to be 60 in 2 months! Wow!!  As a golfer myself, I applaud Watson, for I know how difficult the game truly is.  Good Luck Tom, win one for the ages.

My reason for blogging this is simple.  Curtis Strange, the color commentator for the network coverage said "The ball doesn't know how old the golfer is...."  I think we can apply that to our daily lives.  Whether we need to make changes, implement new strategies, reconnect with a friend or family member, or start anew, the bottom line is to just do it.  For if Tom Watson had self doubt and never showed up at Turnberry, he would have never been able to have his ball do the magical things it's doing now.  Certainly, the ball does not care how old Tom Watson is and our lives can be just as special, we just need to do it!

It's July 18, 2009 and I am bullish on Sacramento

David Ohara

Twitter @dwo34