Overcoming disaster and putting it behind you

I believe that a key part of Tiger's resilience in golf and life is because I don't think he takes golf personally anymore. After watching Lee Westwood at age 47 play championship calibre golf for the second straight week with a smile and a sense of fun, I think Westy has a similar approach. The following is from a column called Learning written by Peter Mumford, Editor of Fairways Magazine. In this piece, Peter asks me how I think … [Read more...]

In your zeal to improve, don’t forget the objective

Last week, I finally discovered the brilliance of Canadian comic Norm Macdonald. (In my defense, my kids were babies during his mid-90s stint on Saturday Night Live when he became a phenom. And I don't stay up much past 9:30.) In watching a YouTube clip of Macdonald talking about Tiger Woods, I thought it was cool that he was a golf fan. Then, I became aware that he was saying ‘you know’ over and over.  Of course, no one in … [Read more...]

A Masters full of sweet endings

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 … [Read more...]

Before you play golf again, I have a little question for you: Why? (The question works for non-golfers too)

The day after the Masters is traditionally a day of renewal for golfers.If not for the coronavirus, we would be rehashing another Sunday thrill-ride at Augusta National.Last year, we were caught up in the afterglow of one of the greatest comebacks in the history of sports when Tiger Woods inexplicably won the Masters for his 15th major after it appeared that his battered body and soul were incapable of more.Having watched a good portion of … [Read more...]

What I learned from my early morning encounter with Tiger Woods

That's Tiger at the 2000 RBC Canadian Open—the one he won with the amazing 6-iron into 18 at Glen Abbey—and that's me behind him on the ground with the horrible shades, white hat and badge on my oversized shirt. Five years later, I had an interesting early morning encounter with him. I figure with Tiger Woods winning his 82nd PGA Tour event to tie for most victories all-time, it’s as good a time as any to trot out my one and only … [Read more...]