Tom Watson flies too close to the Turnberry Sun

I was reminded of the story of Icarus today as I watched the final holes of the British Open. For those of you who remember your 9th grade Greek mythology, you might remember Icarus. Icarus’ father made wings for Icarus, but gave him a warning – don’t fly too close to the sun, don’t fly too close to the sea, but Icarus didn’t listen and became so enamored with flying, that he ignored his fathers warnings. The wings, made of wax, melted as Icarus flew too close to the sun, and he fell to his death.

Watson’s chances of becoming the oldest person ever to win a major fell apart dramatically on the 18th hole as his approach shot went long, then he 3 putted to fall into a tie with Stewart Cink.Watson then fell apart in the 4 hole playoff. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one rooting against Stewart Cink. Cink is probably a nice guy, but today he was villain to Watson’s hero; he’s not well liked tonight.

I wish Watson fell just short in regulation leaving us with the memory of him almost making it, but just falling short. Instead the story is about how his age did him in. Watson dared fly to close to the sun. I for one hope that’s not the lesson learned here. If anything, we should all take away from this the fact that it’s never too late.

That Watson challenged today at the age of 59, inspires me. I should very well inspire all of us.