If you feel bad for Tom Watson.....

[BallStriker]

PLEASE STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!


The man has had a wonderful career and has more money than 99.9999% of the people in the world.....he will be forever remembered for his chip in at the 17th at Pebble, his 65 to beat Jack at Turnberry and his dramatic run through the 2009 Open Championship at the age of 59....he is a man of integrity and grace and honor.....he is, and always will be, a great champion and great ambassador of the game.


In turn, there are children who have no clue where their next meal is coming from, and children forced into guerilla warfare before puberty.....people whose wifes and children are dying today from cancer and other horrible diseases....


IT'S CALLED "PERSPECTIVE" PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!


Take Tom Watson's play over the weekend for what it was....a gutty, gutty performance that defied all conventional wisdom....a truly epic performance, if you will.....

sorry....had to vent....mods, please feel free to delete at any time.

[Kcas77]

He was not playing for money it was so he could prove to himself that he can still compete at the highest level which he did.

[CG031]

I don't think people feel bad for him in the sense they don't think he has money, and needs the money and fame. What Watson had a chance of was HISTORY...and he was a bad break away from parring the 18th hole. That was a pretty mean bounce he got when he hit that shot in, and it simply didn't hold. The next shot he played with the putter wasn't bad at all, the ball was sitting pretty low. I guess that's just Links Golf. Hit and Hope.

[Shorty]

PLEASE STOP!!!!!!!!!!!!

Groan......

I am pretty sure that when people "feel sorry" for Tom Watson it's within a golf context. On the other hand, aren't you ashamed of yourself for spending money on golf balls when what you pay for a dozen balls would feed a family of 6 in Somalia for a month? Get off your high horse and get some perspective yourself.

[J-Rob]

Groan......

+1

Its a double edge sword

[LongballGer]

Groan......

so how many families in somalia are you feeding atm?

[Shorty]

so how many families in somalia are you feeding atm?

Probably about as many as you are.

I thought that it was pretty obvious that my point was that these discussions are about golf and trying to bring in other "issues" is ridiculous. So... if someone says "Gee......I almost had an ace today" it's a bit irritating when someone says words to the effect of "Well my son's in a wheelchair and he'd be happy to be able to walk, let alone score a birdie". To imply that people who "feel sorry" for Watson have no social conscience is insulting and ignorant. And...out of place on a golf related forum.

[Smarf]

Probably about as many as you are.

I agree with you, it didn't really have any bearing on the discussion. I haven't heard of any pity towards Tom Watson, only people that were let down he didn't win because they were rooting for him.

Plus it was hard for me to get past the whole "Leave Brittany Alone!" aspect of the original post.

[goblue107501]

Getting back on track a little...

I actually feel worse for Cink. Here is a guy who has been steady on tour for a number of years, has a few wins, seems to be a popular guy with the other players and fans, yet no one cares that he had a great back nine and won a major. When they were in the playoff it was almost as though everyone there clapped for him becuase they had to, not becuase they were cheering for him. When they were walking up 18 in the playoff, and the outcome was obvious, the patrons seemed to be cheering more for Watson's performance than the champion of the event.

History will rememer this Open as the one where a 59 year old icon made it through 72 holes and lost in the playoff.

Ten years from now:
"Who won the Open in 2009?"
"I don't know, but Watson almost won at 59 years old"

[MSDOGS1976]

Groan......

Good post.

[bogeyhitter25]

In Watson's own words to the press: "This isn't a funeral you know". Really classy guy who will be forever remembered as one of the greatest links players of all time. I don't think there's a reason to feel bad for him.

[Leftygolfer]

I don't think people attacking the thread starter is what kind of conversation he was trying to start. Yes we all know golf is pretty meaningless in the grand scheme of life.

But in regards the thread, I agree. I am sure it was a tough pill to swallow but I am sure if you asked him right now he would say how happy he was to be in that spot once again. If it wasn't for his putter he very well might be the greatest player of his generation.

I bet he never thought he would have been leading after 71 holes and if anything, we should be happy for him. He was in a spot that no one could have imagined. Almost 60 and with a chance to win the open. Unbelieveable.

My .02

[1par2win]

I agree with you, it didn't really have any bearing on the discussion. I haven't heard of any pity towards Tom Watson, only people that were let down he didn't win because they were rooting for him.

I spit out my Dr Pepper on my purchase orders at work when I read that! I think I will have to re-print them before my meeting this afternoon. Thanks for the quote of the day!

As far as Watson is concerned others have pretty much covered the perspective issue and second their points.

[Ghost Runner]

Plus it was hard for me to get past the whole "Leave Brittany Alone!" aspect of the original post.

FTW

I'll add this for what it's worth; if you conclude a post with "mods, please feel free to delete at any time" then you probably shouldn't submit the post.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I dont feel sorry for Watson. He is and professional and had his oppertunity. He didnt cash it in. Cink did. I played 9 on monday and some of the dudes in the pro shop were making out Cink to be some kind of villian for ruining the story. I dont get it.

[steve8820]

No, of course I don't feel sorry for him. He had his chance with a very sinkable putt, but didn't even get it in the same zip code..........

[Chas]

Well hopefully I will remember Cink's first major but your point is well taken. Ironically I'll prolly remember Cink's win better because of who he beat' so there's truth to your point.

Anyway Cink isn't gonna worry too much coz HE'S GOT THE JUG :)

And besides, Watson will be remembered for his truly extraordinary grace and composure. He hit a good 8i, the blasted thing didn't hold. But that putt was just awful, as he well knows. Such is goff.

[Shorty]

No, of course I don't feel sorry for him. He had his chance with a very sinkable putt, but didn't even get it in the same zip code..........

Now there's a post which indicates a solid grip on the history of the game and an awareness of Watson's exalted place in it. (not)

Not to mention that it was his putt from off the green and not the return putt that sealed his fate.