Hey, everyone. I've been watching the US Open Golf Championship today. The youngster from Northern Ireland,Rory McIlroy won easily with play that was in many ways historic. For instance, he was the youngest player to win the open since Bobby Jones back in 1923. He finished an awesome 16 under with his nearest competitor 8 shots back.
While many may have hoped for a bit of a meltdown due to his problems finishing the Masters, Rory was rock solid throughout. When he walked up the 18th fairway, it seemed that he had aged 5 years compared to the cherubic lad that had started the day. He will be a formidable opponent indeed for the foreseeable future.
If one considers the sizable purse and massive potential of endorsement deals, Rory probably made many millions of dollars this weekend. But that would be the wrong way to look at things. It was far more than a weekend's work. The work started with Rory as a little kid. It consisted of many sacrifices for mom and dad, as well as Rory. Work, coaching and equipment. Travel is not without its expenses, frustrations and weariness. Then you still have to face the best field in the world and a rabid mass of media folks. The physical game, the gifts, the luck, the mental game and temperament that has to come together for a man to pull this off; this is an incredible combination at any age, let alone 22.
After the victory, it is not the end. For many people, it is harder to deal with success than failure. There is a new furnace now. How often do we see a celebrity that turns to drugs or philandering or loss of self discipline in order to deal with the pressures of fame and wealth? This guy looks to have the class and moxie to handle it, as well as a solid support structure around him. My best wishes to him and my heartfelt congratulations.
As I watched Rory today I wondered how he could swing so naturally with that degree of pressure. My knees would have failed me, I'm afraid. Under enough pressure, people can find it hard to remember their own name.
It was mentioned that Tiger Woods sent a text message of congratulations. He is recovering from injuries that hampered him at the Master's and he did not play this week. Very classy thing for El Tigre to do.
For all those hoping for an opening at the Open today, they encountered a door that was slammed shut, emphatically. It was fun to watch on this Father's Day of 2011.
From the author's green retreat, I'm CE Wills.
While many may have hoped for a bit of a meltdown due to his problems finishing the Masters, Rory was rock solid throughout. When he walked up the 18th fairway, it seemed that he had aged 5 years compared to the cherubic lad that had started the day. He will be a formidable opponent indeed for the foreseeable future.
If one considers the sizable purse and massive potential of endorsement deals, Rory probably made many millions of dollars this weekend. But that would be the wrong way to look at things. It was far more than a weekend's work. The work started with Rory as a little kid. It consisted of many sacrifices for mom and dad, as well as Rory. Work, coaching and equipment. Travel is not without its expenses, frustrations and weariness. Then you still have to face the best field in the world and a rabid mass of media folks. The physical game, the gifts, the luck, the mental game and temperament that has to come together for a man to pull this off; this is an incredible combination at any age, let alone 22.
After the victory, it is not the end. For many people, it is harder to deal with success than failure. There is a new furnace now. How often do we see a celebrity that turns to drugs or philandering or loss of self discipline in order to deal with the pressures of fame and wealth? This guy looks to have the class and moxie to handle it, as well as a solid support structure around him. My best wishes to him and my heartfelt congratulations.
As I watched Rory today I wondered how he could swing so naturally with that degree of pressure. My knees would have failed me, I'm afraid. Under enough pressure, people can find it hard to remember their own name.
It was mentioned that Tiger Woods sent a text message of congratulations. He is recovering from injuries that hampered him at the Master's and he did not play this week. Very classy thing for El Tigre to do.
For all those hoping for an opening at the Open today, they encountered a door that was slammed shut, emphatically. It was fun to watch on this Father's Day of 2011.
From the author's green retreat, I'm CE Wills.
McIlroy’s performance at the U.S. Open was truly dominating! He set tournament records for the lowest scores after 36, 54, and 72 holes. I don’t usually watch golf, but found myself tuned to the final two rounds over the weekend. It will be interesting to see what his victory will do for the rest of his career.
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