Jordan Spieth's Victory at the British Open Today Showed the Heart of a Champion

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I worked as an Assistant Professional at a few Country Clubs for nearly 12 years, never made Class - A, PGA Professional, but I lived the lifestyle. I played in quite a few tournaments, without my A game, and that is difficult for a small timer like myself. Now imagine you have a commanding lead in the British Open and you start hitting foul balls off your first swing? Serious pressure and your not allowed to call "time-out" and head back to the practice tee.

To be honest, his first swing of the day was spot on, he liked it, just the wrong angle and it stuck in the heather. After that, it appeared he had zero control over his full swing, the wheels were coming off, doubt had filled his mind.

I know all about this. Working towards your Class - A certification, to become a PGA professional, you first must pass the P.A.T, Players Ability Test. In most cases you need to play 36 holes in one day and shoot a pair of 75's. Not easy to do when you're playing a simple match, nonetheless, playing for your professional standing.

I missed passing the P.A.T. by 1 stroke on one of these occasions, three putted the 36th green. Horror. But I've also been out there where I put up a 12 on the 7th hole of the day, 31 more to play. No chance at passing.

There are two types of golf, one has nothing to do with the other:
Golf and Tournament Golf

I understand pressure to perform on the golf course, not at the level of Major Tournaments like the Open, but some days you just don't have your swing. It's mostly mental. After Spieth doubled the 13th hole, with one of the worst flame-out drives I've ever seen, I thought he was finished. So far to the right he had to take a penalty and play from the driving range. He actually gripped the top of his head in despair. I know the feeling.

He then went on to play the next 4 holes, 5 under. He made the shots and made some ridiculous putts. When most men would be falling apart, even worse then he already was, Spieth just manned up and took the Championship, just dusted Kuchar. I love Kuchar, what a sweatheart, but Spieth just motored away from him.

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It takes a special mind to reign in a moment like that. Spieth was on the precipice of losing an enormous lead, not feeling his swing and becoming the guy who folds in majors. He turned that all around in his final 5 holes, 5 under. That is a special level of concentration and action. Good for you kid and happy 24th birthday in a few days.

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