Underdog Champion Proves That Acting Like A Manchild Gets You Nowhere

dailycaller.com

Two pro golfers set good and bad examples at the U.S. Open over the weekend: one player acted like a petulant toddler; the other, like a cool, calm champion. The former should be mocked, while the latter emulated.

One of the most difficult aspects of golf, if not most difficult, is the ability to keep your head when things don’t go your way. It’s incredibly easy to get angry on a golf course, especially if you’re a few beers deep and you can’t stop picking your head up every time you swing, even though you you’re making a conscious effort to keep your head down. (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)

But that doesn’t mean you lash out. Fits of rage never help on the links. The angrier you get, the more double and triple bogeys begin to appear on your scorecard. Remaining calm, however, always helps. Collecting yourself and pretending you have the memory of a goldfish will allow you to bounce back immediately.

This year’s U.S. Open offered the perfect parable about these two mindsets in both golf and life.

On the one hand, we have Rory McIlroy, who finally completed his grand slam after winning the Masters back in April.

Although he finished Sunday with his lowest score of the tournament, tying for 19th place, McIlroy still had a rough weekend. And to make matters worse, his behavior at times was completely childish. Ignoring the media. Smashing a tee marker. Whipping his clubs in anger.

On the other hand, we have JJ Spaun, the humble underdog who secured his first major win by sinking a 65-foot, walk-off putt.

Spaun’s start Sunday was nothing short of a disaster. His daughter was throwing up in the wee hours of the morning, and at one point had to make a CVS pitstop.

Then to the golf. Bogeying the first five out of six holes, he fell five shots behind the leader, Sam Burns. He didn’t panic, though. He didn’t pull a McIlroy, and throw a tantrum and a club. After a weather delay, he brushed off the bad holes, got the work, and made four birdies on the back nine as Burns collapsed.

This is the mark of a fighter, which is why Spaun was spotted slinging a post-victory Modelo rather than a Bud Light (we all know Rory is probably a fan of the groomer juice). (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)

Spaun also apparently practiced at a municipal course in Scottsdale, Arizona, and told a Golf Digest writer that playing there alongside normal, salt-of-the-earth golfers kept him grounded. I don’t know if it was Reagan, Mickelson, or my grandfather, but someone once said that all great golf in America begins at the muni course. Spaun’s game is no exception.

In all things golf, and all things life, it’s always best to take the Spaun approach. Drink Modelo. Practice at the muni. Be the outside smoke who grinds.