Lessons from The Masters

I'm not really a follower of golf, but as I dined with my sister and brother-in-law yesterday to celebrate his birthday, I couldn't help but be drawn in with the drama unfolding on the programme they were watching on the TV. It was The Masters 2025 golf competition.

Now, as I said, I know very little about golf and for the sake of the cars, animals and people of the planet, it's probably best that I'm not let loose with a club and a 'bullet' to fire at things through my lack of skill and ability! However, I couldn't help but get involved in the story of Rory McIlroy, one of our British hopefuls in the competition.

Having won 3 of the grand slam competitions over a decade ago, he's been trying for the last 11 years to get into the history books and with The Masters to complete the grand slam.

It's been a roller-coaster ride - so close on occasions, and yet also, seemingly so far!

I started watching the final match at my sister's and was hooked. There were so many twists and turns of fortune, and that was just in the first 2 holes! My lack of ability to watch the 'stress' of sport, is legendary in my family - I watch most things through my fingers or by popping in and out - my heart can't stand it! And yesterday was no exception. It was not an easy watch once I'd got behind him and his ambitions.

But if one thing is clear, it's that determination, belief, and persistence pay off!

He won, finally in a play off after the 18th hole against a fellow Englishman and his Ryder Cup teammate, Justin Rose. He, too had a remarkable journey on the day, and maybe it will be his time next year, for he has his own story to tell...

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The BBC wrote:

"Here we go again. That inescapable feeling engulfed Rory McIlroy's fans during a Masters Sunday they wanted to watch through their fingers at certain points.

A nightmare start saw the nervous 35-year-old from Northern Ireland overhauled by nearest rival Bryson DeChambeau at the top of the leaderboard in a three-shot swing in the opening two holes.

Then, after recovering to retake a three-shot lead with six holes left, McIlroy threatened to blow his chance yet again.

Those willing him to win wondered if he was fumbling another golden chance to finally land the prize which had long eluded him.

The rollercoaster nature of his triumph, secured eventually at the first play-off hole, was essentially a microcosm of a career which has provided exhilarating highs and devastating lows.

What his supporters had forgotten - understandably given the scar tissue they also had developed from his myriad near misses - was a very different McIlroy had emerged at Augusta National this week.

A mature McIlroy. A calmer McIlroy. A patient McIlroy.

Most importantly, perhaps, a McIlroy who has learned how to love himself again on the course after having his heart bitterly broken by the sport he adores."

The lesson for all of us: Never Give Up! Ever!

It's a simple lesson and one that he reiterated in his acceptance speech to his daughter -

"Never, ever give up on your dreams", and "If you put your mind to it, you can do anything!"

You can see his emotional speech here: Rory McIlroy beats Justin Rose in Masters play-off to clinch career Grand Slam - BBC Sport

This is a lesson for us all, whether playing sport, striving to create an online business or just getting on with life in general. Persistence and belief matter.

You may only be one shot away from winning, so keep going, have faith and take that shot!!

All the best

Gail