Good Job, Tom!

I think everyone really wanted him to win. Tom Watson, 59 years old and nine months away from hip replacement surgery, was leading the golf tournament up to the 18th hole. But a three-putt and four playoff holes later, instead of winning the British Open, Tom watched as Stewart Cink claimed victory.

It was exciting to watch and root for Tom to win. Since Tiger missed the cut on Thursday, I think everyone watching wanted a good story. Tom gave us one, and in his defeat, we felt a little disappointed and sorry for him. But I think Tom said it best:

"This ain't a funeral, you know," Watson said later.

He's right. The tournament outcome was not what we may not have wished for, but it wasn't the end of the world. Instead of lamenting what could have been, we should be celebrating and honoring what was and what is. Tom Watson showed the world the golf pro that he is. He showed us that age doesn't always have the last laugh and that anything is possible. He showed us the reality of a comeback and that an AARP membership is perfectly compatible with a PGA membership. But most of all, he showed us that even in our greatest defeat, we can always find perspective.

In the end, it's all about getting out there and doing our best. And if the end results aren't exactly what we had hoped for, if we gave it all we could, then the ride made it all worthwhile.