Yesterday’s Masters was full of sweet endings.
Once Dustin Johnson hit over the water on 15, the Masters was largely over, and DJ finished the job with the stoicism and chill that we have all associated with him.
I loved the hugs and tears with his brother and Paulina, but to me, the best part was his interview with Amanda Balionis.
Sure, DJ may have felt a sense of validation after his other major heartbreaks, but when Balionis asked about his family and how hard he worked, he was overwhelmed. The tears flowed. He could barely speak.
It was sweet and beautiful. Thanks DJ for being a model for men: loving, grateful and powerful.
Thanks for Balionis for truly listening to DJ. She didn’t rush in to fill the silence. She let DJ have his moment, and by extension, our own sweet moment.
And Tiger Woods … the 10 he made on 12 was so cringe-worthy that CBS spared us from witnessing it. I think they should have shown every excruciating stroke.
It would have made what followed that much more amazing to comprehend. After making his worst score ever in his career, Tiger demonstrated why he’s Tiger Woods, and what it takes to be one of the world’s greatest champions.
Who would have blamed Tiger for mailing it in, feeling embarrassed, his legacy sullied?
Nope. Tiger soldiered on, making five birdies on his six holes.
Thanks Tiger for a wonderful demonstration of humility and resilience, and adding another brilliant chapter to a life story that has yielded many valuable lessons.
We all knew this would be a different Masters, but like always, its gifts were unexpected and a sweet surprise.
About Tim O'Connor
Tim
2 great moments to capture – both show how great the human spirit can be – especially when we learn that we can choose how to respond to some suffering in our life.
I’m so happy for DJ – it’s clear how much of his heart he has put into his career – and i’m glad you captured the interview moment. I was also captured by the interview answer when asked if he calmed down after the birdie at 6. His answer was NO – I had to fight internally from the first shot to the last shot – It can look easy for DJ or any winner – but they have all learned how to make it look so.
And about that Tiger resilience – 5 birdies to close out the last six holes- i was watching him on that putt on 18 knowing that his mind was crystal clear on making it – because that is what defines Tiger – what a mind!
So winning these majors isn’t “just” about the physical talent – it’s about the ability to be present and aware of the voice of the doubter and choose this time to let our best self be.
thanks for another great article –
More Please 🙂