I’m a huge Ernie Els fan. I’ve always loved his swing and the way he carries himself. After yesterday though, I’m an even bigger fan.
In case you missed it, Ernie Els won the British Open yesterday in dramatic fashion coming back from 6 shots at the start of the day to win the tournament. I was definitely rooting for him to win but the way in which he handled winning was truly amazing.
As he sunk a birdie putt on 18 to close within one shot of leader Adam Scott he celebrated with his caddie and acknowledged the crowd. I was watching closely and I truly believe his celebration wasn’t so much that he closed the gap between he and Adam Scott but more for just finishing a great round. I think Els would have been completely satisfied with that round win or lose. He was just content to play well.
Then, as he waited for Adam Scott to finish the 17th and 18th holes, Els did something interesting. He ate a sandwich. And hung out on the putting green chatting with people. I’ve never seen a golfer so relaxed in this situation. It was uncanny. From what I could tell, Els never watched on as Adam Scott bogeyed 17 and 18 allowing for Els to win the tournament. As Adam Scott missed his par putt on 18, they showed a live shot of Els. He was putting on the putting green. He heard the crowd and knew by their reaction that Scott had missed his putt. Els then casually walked over to his caddie, said some words, and gave him a handshake. You could tell that he was torn. He was glad he won but sad
that his friend and competitor, Adam Scott, had played so badly down the stretch. When most men in his situation would be jumping up and down and celebrating, Els was “numb” as he described it. It truly was bittersweet for him.
I was so captivated in watching him and seeing how his reactions were so different than most who have been in his situation. All of it struck me as a man who realized how narrow the margin between victory and defeat can be. I think Els realized how it could have easily gone another way…but it didn’t. Els has experienced the thrill of victory but also the agony of defeat (especially recently) and felt for his friend Adam Scott. I don’t think he ever said it but I really feel as if Els was disappointed that there wasn’t a playoff between he and Scott. I think he would have preferred it that way–win or lose.
In his victory speech, he was careful to thank many people in his life, his “team”, who helped make this all possible. He also thanked the fans in their support joking that he wasn’t sure if they were cheering merely because they liked him or if they thought he could actually win.
I don’t know if Ernie Els is a Christian or not but the way he handled victory on Sunday was a picture of redeemed sports. He saw his competitor not as someone to conquer but truly as a co-competitor–a real human being who he truly wanted the best for. Els was satisfied in his own effort regardless of victory or defeat. He handled winning with grace and humility recognizing how little he can control. He celebrated his victory but was careful to acknowledge his competitor and the people who helped him get there.
He was asked afterwards his feelings on his victory. Here was his response:
‘‘I’m a little numb at the moment. First of all, I feel for Adam Scott. He’s a great friend of mine. Obviously, we both wanted to win very badly. But you know, that’s the nature of the beast. That’s why we’re out here. You win, you lose.”
‘‘It was my time for some reason.’’
It was his time, by the grace of God, and he responded with appropriate amount of grace and humility. For those of us in the sports world–we should take note.
