There is no greater sound than the opening music that sets the tone to a Sunday at Augusta National. You hear the melodic tones of Augusta from the CBS broadcast with shots of Amen Corner, Magnolia Lane, the blooming azaleas and past champions in their iconic green jackets. Then the great Jim Nantz greets you with his most humble of greetings, "Hello friends". You find your way to your favorite chair or spot on the couch and watch the magic unfold.
This year was one for the ages. This was and always will be, the year of the Tiger. Tiger Woods found his stripes again, earning his fifth green jacket and his fifteenth major championship. Before Sunday's win it had been fourteen years after his last win at Augusta and eleven years since his last major championship.
Tiger Woods is a polarizing figure. While many love Tiger, many have enjoyed watching his fall from grace over the past decade. When you are at the top of the mountain there are many eager to knock you down… And when Tiger fell, he fell hard. His clean-cut image was tarnished, sponsors and fans abandoned him, his body and his game failed him. In a few short years, he went from being the best player on the planet to a world ranking of 899.
Dominance, superiority and confidence are words that described Tiger Woods in his prime. Tiger's 2019 Masters performance exhibited those same characteristics, but it also showed maturity, humility and grace. This moment was Tiger's personal and professional revival. It is fitting that it happened, on Sunday at Augusta National, during the spring and Easter season.
In life and in business, we have moments when we are at the top and bottom of our mountain, and hopefully we have that proverbial climb up again. The road back to greatness can be the most difficult and rewarding journey of them all. Overcoming the feeling of vulnerability and insecurity doesn't happen by itself; it takes belief, focus, determination and humility.
Tiger exhibited these traits and showed the world it is possible to overcome great obstacles to get back to the top. So can you. The return to glory is not easy, but if you believe in yourself and you are willing to put in the work, it is possible to reach the apex again, and when you do it is beautiful.
Comments
Amen to that brother and yes it was Great to see him rise from the depts. back to everything that was and is Tiger Woods.
I always said be nice to those you meet on the way UP because you will meet them again on your way DOWN. A lesson here when you fall you have no place to go except back Up.