A Nice Guy Finishes First

As a sports fan, one of the facets of the games that I find most compelling is a good back-story, like a contending underdog or triumph over adversity. Sunday’s British Open provided just that type of back-story. After 20 attempts, Darren Clarke emerged from the wind and rain as the Open champion. Being from Northern Ireland, Clarke long coveted the Open championship but, at 42, he was a 125 to 1 long shot going into the week. Though, a winner of 26 tournaments across the world, Clarke had never won a major.  He had not finished in the top 10 of a major championship (for those not familiar there are 4: Masters, US Open, British Open and the PGA) since 2001. His win on Sunday had a helluva of a back-story.

The Underdog

There is a nonsensical debate that occurs between men, on occasion, over whether or not golf is a sport or a game.  It’s usually an alcohol-fueled argument that is, as subjective as, but less substantive than, a debate about religion or politics. Those individuals that contend that golf is just a game cite the fact that you can smoke and drink while you play and being a fat ass isn’t a detriment. A solid position. And while this description may have been appropriate for the golf pros of the past, today’s professional tour is another matter. In an effort to emulate Tiger Woods, young players (and some older ones as well) are now well-conditioned athletes. Though Clarke started his career in “traditional” condition (dumpy), he turned to a strict fitness regimen and got in shape. The fitness routine didn’t do much for his game. Eventually, his manager, Chubby (how ironic) Chandler told him, “You play better fat.” Listening to the man who had guided his career from the beginning, Clarke went “old school.” So, I was rooting for the 42- year-old flabby, big-gutted, chain-smoking, Guinness loving Sportsman. Even in golf, I think he could be classified as an underdog.

Triumph Over Adversity

The jovial Clarke is a beloved member of the PGA Tour. A good guy. It’s been reported that he was handing balls to young spectators as he walked Royal George even though he was contending for his dream title. Upon winning, he sent champagne to the reporter’s tent as they toiled to complete their tournament reports. These occasions are just some recent examples of Clarke’s nice guy demeanor. Nut they don’t end there. A couple years ago when both Phil Mickelson’s wife and mother contracted breast cancer in the same year, Clarke spent hours on the phone with Mickelson consoling and counseling. Clarke understood Mickelson’s certain fear and sadness. In 2006, Clarke lost his 39-year-old wife, Heather, to a long battle with breast cancer.  Though, at his dying wife’s urging, he would participate and perform exceptionally in the Ryder Cup six weeks after her death, his game would then go on to suffer. He recognized his wife who was “looking over him up there” as he received his trophy Sunday. Additionally, he thanked his fiancé, Alison, who I presume, in addition to “beefing up,” has aided his golfing resurrection.

Early in the final round on Sunday, Phil Mickelson was charging and, at one point was 6 under par for the day and tied for the lead with Clarke. Though he has won 39 tournaments and 4 majors, he had largely been irrelevant at the Open and coveted the championship. Eventually, Mickelson’s hot hand cooled and he would finish tied for second to Clarke. Commenting on Clarke and his victory, Mickelson said, “He’s a tremendous person and a very good friend, and I couldn’t be happier for him. It was fun to try to make a run at him.”

Some spectators watch to see the “thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” I dig that too. But you can’t beat a good back-story and a nice guy finishing first.