There’s something to be said in the heat of disappointment, when you’re able to keep your perspective and focus on “what matters most” because its times like these you can tell what you’re truly made of.
Watching the Masters Golf Tournament this past weekend, I like so many golf fans, was struck by the true grace and class of Kenny Perry, the man who “almost” won the Green Jacket!
With the pressure of the world’s best behind him (Tiger and Phil Mickelson) and Angel Cabrera and Chad Campbell playing consistent great golf, Kenny Perry was the man to beat …up until the last couple holes of the round.
With only a couple holes two to play, at age 48, Kenny was about to become the oldest major champion ever … I think there was a collective group of us who were all holding their breath to see this true southern gentleman finally get his first major win.
Kenny, then unfortunately, had three bogeys and the Master great title and honor was lost.
What we all noticed was his beautiful family, so hopeful and then so crushed, crying … no, make that sobbing … after Dad missed the opportunity of his lifetime.
You see, Kenny has been a golfer who has worked hard and sacrificed a lot to maintain the balance between being a dad and pro golfer. I heard in one interview he finally committed to golf 100% since his daughter finally was off to university. He built his small town a golf course and donates time and money to the local church. Like many golf legends, he is a “stand up” kind of man.
When the reporter asked Kenny how he felt about the loss … Kenny said in his great Southern drawl … “If this is the worst thing that happens in my life, my life’s pretty good.”
Seeing his daughter cry even harder … he looked to his brood and said… “Y’all smile, it’s not that bad. It’s a golf tournament.”
Golf fans and analyst predict that this will probably be Kenny’s last chance at the all-elusive Major win … but in that moment, on that beautiful course … he said something that really made me take notice as a person who’s life ambition and privilege has been to motivate and encourage so many in our industry …
Instead of wallowing in sorrow, he looked the commentator in the eye and said, “Me and my family are going to celebrate tonight - the fortunes of our life, the opportunities we’ve been granted.”
Now … that grace, class and metal toughness has GOT to make you think!!!
Have you been there, like Kenny, ever before? Ready to close of the biggest deal of your life … only to have it slip away? Or maybe just a tragic accident, a collision of timing changed the entire scope of where your life was headed. I challenge you, that in those dark moments, think of Kenny, be grateful for your fortunes, however big or small they are, and just keep going.
Thank you Kenny for the inspiration … may you keep having fun out there on the course and giving us something to hope for!
Passion Rules!
Tom
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