This past week's Masters Tournament — the first major championship of the year — marked the golf season's unofficial start. As is the case with the majority of golf enthusiasts, the telecast captured my attention for four consecutive days. But in sharp contrast to the recent past, the theme of the tournament was the underdog triumphing over the faltering favorite.
Thursday, viewers were greeted with several familiar sights — towering Georgia Pines, blossoming azaleas, a perfectly manicured Augusta National course and a ceremonial opening tee shot by one of the game's living legends.
The competition played out quite differently than in years past, however. Cool temperatures, fierce winds and treacherous greens sent scores skyward. In fact, the winning total of 289 — one over par — was tied for the highest in the event's 71-year history.
Viewers and competitors alike witnessed a particularly unusual episode in Sunday's final round. Beginning the day one shot off the lead and playing in the tournament's final pairing, the seemingly invincible Tiger Woods — in search of his fifth green jacket and 13th major championship overall — came up two shots short.
In stark contrast to what the golf world has come to expect, the undisputed No. 1 failed to execute when he needed it most. Instead of birdies, fist pumps and roars, we observed errant shots, a broken iron — which, for the record, was wrapped around a tree in the course of play rather than out of anger — and verbal frustration.
Despite this apparent meltdown, only one man was able to top Woods. This man was 31-year-old Zach Johnson, labeled by CBS anchor Jim Nantz as the "unheralded Iowan."
Though I find this description a bit extreme, as Johnson was one of 12 individuals to represent the United States in last year's Ryder Cup, there is no doubt that his path to the green jacket was an unlikely one.
While Woods won three consecutive U.S. Amateurs and an NCAA Championship as a student at Stanford, Johnson played against rather modest competition at Drake University. And while Tiger said "Hello World," signed multi-million dollar endorsement deals and won immediately on the big tour, Johnson bounced around the mini tours — effectively golf's version of organized gambling — for half a dozen years trying to make ends meet.
In fact, only six years ago, he paid admission to watch the Masters in person, dreaming of one day returning to the hallowed grounds as a player. Johnson finally earned that opportunity after a breakthrough PGA Tour victory in 2004.
So how did this David topple the sports world's modern Goliath on the game's grandest stage? He formulated a game plan centered on his strengths and refused to let anyone, including the most intimidating of opponents, sway him from it.
Johnson, a straight, yet short, hitter, played with extreme patience, laying up on every par five. Relying on strong wedge play and a confident putting stroke, he played those holes in a combined 11 under par, while his more aggressive counterparts frequently found trouble.
That difference effectively vaulted him to the title. To quote a famous fable, Johnson's success is evidence that, even in today's power game, slow and steady can still win the race.
This inspiring underdog story teaches us a lesson that extends beyond the boundaries of the golf course — focus on your strengths and trust your abilities. Many individuals — golfers and others — have failed because they try to be something they are not.
Johnson resisted this urge, and he is now a member of golf's most exclusive club. We can all learn something from that.
Read More
Preview: Football names captains and looks ahead to their first game
Lily PampolinaPrinceton football kicks off their season Saturday at noon at home against University of San Diego. The team hopes to get back on track after a disappointing season last year.
Princeton football kicks off their season Saturday at noon at home against University of San Diego. The team hopes to get back on track after a disappointing season last year.
By the Numbers: Goals and medals for the Tigers’ start to the fall
Harrison BlankThis week in By the Numbers, women’s cross country took first in their first two meets, led by sophomore Meg Madison. Amid these accomplishments, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games and had winning records both at home and on the road.
This week in By the Numbers, women’s cross country took first in their first two meets, led by sophomore Meg Madison. Amid these accomplishments, the Tigers won over three-fifths of their games and had winning records both at home and on the road.
Late goals lift men’s soccer past University of Massachusetts Amherst, 2–0
Harrison Blank and Matthew YiMen’s soccer overcame a slow start to beat the Minutemen.
Men’s soccer overcame a slow start to beat the Minutemen.