Loran - Smith

Loran

AUGUSTA – A four-inch putt is not so dramatic, unless it represents $4.5 million dollars cash on the barrelhead, and untold future currencies—dollars, pounds, and euros— a second Green Jacket, a prominent status in the record books, and perks unlimited; when that happens, a tap-in is just as monumental as a twenty-footer that dances across the green to the cup and brings forth unending pandemonium.

While there is always comforting decorum at Augusta, which has the classiest environment and legacy, it was no holds barred in the pubs of Hollywood, Northern Ireland for a favorite son whose first major appearance came about in 2007 as an amateur at the Open championship at Carnoustie. I remember seeing Rory McIlroy for the first time, with long, curly hair protruding from his cap and a bouncing gait as he walked briskly about.

Irish soothsayers predicted great success for him, and his second Masters championship puts him in select company. He has collected six major titles which includes the career Grand Slam. There is no telling how many more major trophies will take up space at his home in Northern Ireland.

There is plenty to like about this high-profile player whose personal story stimulates deep and abiding appreciation for a working-class family who doted on their son but with the right touch.

That came through in the post tournament ceremony at the Butler cabin and on the grounds of Augusta National where the public gets to enjoy the trophy presentation with all the members of the club in their familiar Green Jackets forming an ambient atmosphere for a celebrated ceremony which network television showcases to the world.

The humility with which Rory expressed thanks to his mother and father resonated with all those with a familyoriented bent. The icing on the cake was the presence of his five-year-old daughter, Poppy, whose innocence and charm took precedence over the ugly headlines we so often see on the news.

As the ceremony unfolded, there was the reminder that sports can take one from modest surroundings to extraordinary standing—wealth and fame. The view here is that McIlroy has the character and modesty to maintain a balance and level headedness that will serve him well with advancing age.

It warms the heart to witness the meekness of his parents, Gerry and Rosie, who worked multiple jobs for Rory to have the opportunity to pursue his golfing dreams. They sacrificed and they gave of themselves for the family. Many parents do that but seldom attain that pot of gold at the rainbow. (In Celtic mythology, leprechauns guard those unattainable treasures). He can now sup with those leprechauns if he likes, but more than likely, he will do some good for the world in his own community where he was taught to underscore faith, hope and charity.

As his parents stayed the course to bring opportunity for Rory, he did the continued from page

same Sunday in the final round in which he lost the lead but was never out of contention for a second Green Jacket.

Lately he has had hiccups with his driving accuracy and had to switch drivers before the Masters as the United States Golf Association in routine test, deemed his driver nonconforming as it relates to the issue of “springlike effect.”

Nonetheless, he scrambled adroitly in the tradition of Arnold Palmer in his prime, to save par and make enough birdies to finish the final round with a one under 71 and a fourround total of 276—12 under for the tournament. He found the way to win, perhaps, the most rewarding circumstance in sports. Champions become champions by finding a way to

win. He has maintained loyalty to the PGA tour and has been outspoken regarding the Saudi funded LIV tour. That, no doubt, will continue to make him very popular in U. S. golf circles.

If Greg Norman should run low on cash, he might consider calling Rory and ask if he could make a loan.