Adversity Hones a Winner

Facing the end of one's career, future--or life--can work like heat on steel: strengthening a person in ways not imaginable unless experienced. Today, Trevor Immelman won The Masters tournament after an exhausting year struggling with what looked like career ending illnesses. I saw him win the last Western Open in 2006, which was one of only two events Mr. Immelman played successfully until today.

Granted, no one expected much from Immelman given his 2007 season, so he didn't have the pressure that the fans and media put on Tiger Woods, Phil Michelson or some of the other top seeded players. However, he had his own psyche to deal with, one that was certainly affected by what he has gone through.

History is filled with stories of people like Ben Hogan, Lance Armstrong or Jackie Speier, who finally won a seat in Congress this week. These people have put their lives back together after suffering major catastrophes and have gone on to win tournaments, races or elections. (In the case of Jackie Speier, she survived getting shot multiple times during her visit to Jonestown back in 1979, as well as personal traumas that would keep some people from getting out of bed in the morning.)

Immelman was able to prove to himself today that he has overcome the physical challenges that dogged his game last year. His Sunday game was up and down, but he held on to the lead and won the Green Jacket. Maybe his final round would have been different if he had been paired with Tiger Woods. And maybe he'll find out.