Greg Bailey NewsChannel 36 Sports Director

Admit it. You thought Tom Watson's magic ran out on the 18th green Sunday at Turnberry. You thought that four days (almost) of time-altering brilliance withered over an eight-foot putt. Just when you were sure you could believe that a 59-year-old with a titanium hip could pull it off, Tom Watson went from 29 years young to 89 years old. The boyish grin suddenly lost in an ashen grimace, resignation overwhelming every bit of the exuberance the world had cheered at the British Open.

But Watson's magic didn't vanish, after all. I know because I heard it and I felt it a half a world away from the Scottish coast.

For the first time in months my grandfather sounded like himself. That little zip in his voice returned when we talked on Saturday. Just like we have for as long as I can remember we talked about family and life for a few minutes, and then we talked about sports for a lot longer. We talked about Tom Watson at the British Open.

Bill is 83 now, trying to get back on his feet after breaking his hip. He's been through the ringer since losing my grandmother eight years ago. His grown children nursed him and loved him back to life then, and they're doing it again this time. Funny how Texas Rangers baseball on the TV helped eight summers ago. I could feel Watson's surge helping this time.

"He's just a kid to me, you know." We laughed and talked about what a gentleman Watson is. That's big on Bill's list, and nobody does it better than the 5 time Open champion.

It's more than the fact that my grandfather saw Watson in his prime. More than just a familiar face in a sports landscape that's changed 10 times since he last swung a club himself. It's the hint of possibility where none exists. The suggestion that someone you feel like you know can mesmerize Father Time just long enough.

Funny thing about sports and my family. The unspoken pact with us and our teams -- if you root hard enough and suffer enough, maybe you didn't really lose after all. You did all you could and we'll try it again next time.

With every rhythmic swing and every 50-foot putt that roared into the cup, we all cheered Watson along. We hoped for the best and braced for the worst before finally believing.

My grandfather is trying again, just like Watson did. He smiled and laughed this weekend, right along with an aging champion. So what if the winning putt never got close? My grandfather joined millions who enjoyed the ride. I bet it beats rehab, and I know it's the best trip he's had in a while. Thanks for the magic, Tom Watson. You gave us a phone call and a weekend I'll never forget.

1 Comments

Daryl Kommerstad said:

Greg
You are one fine writer. It reflected the feeling that many of us had last weekend watching Watson bring back the days of Jack, Lee, & Norman.He was like a artist who knew what he was doing. A pleasant change from Tiger, the golf god.

Best TV of the year

Dman

July 21, 2009 11:10 PM

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