It's been almost two weeks since Tom Watson's heroic effort at the 138th Open Championship in Turnberry, but the 59-year-old remains the talk of the golfing world.
I think this is perhaps the best time to relate one of my favourite real-life golfing stories – as Watson happens to be the protagonist.
At the 2003 US Open, which was eventually won by Jim Furyk, the then 53-year-old Watson shot a magical five-under 65 on the opening day to lead the championship.
At the media centre, instead of talking about what was an astonishing round – you rarely get 65s at the US Open, which is known for its tough course set-up – or the eagle two he had on a par-4 hole where he holed a 171 yard shot, Watson decided to use the spotlight to focus world attention on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or the Lou Gehrig's disease, which had afflicted Bruce Edwards, his caddy for more than 30 years.
Watson spoke about Edwards because Edwards was dying.
Watson spoke about ALS. With only 30,000 reported cases in the US at the time, funding for research into a cure was very little compared to other killer diseases like Aids.
Once Edwards was diagnosed with ALS, Watson stood by his man – the same man who was his constant companion in seven Majors and several other outstanding victories.
Within days, he had read everything he could find on the illness, paid more than $100,000 (Dh367,000) for his treatment since Edwards did not have the right insurance, and set up a trust to collect funds not only for Edwards, but also for the purpose of research into finding a cure.
Within six months, he alone had raised more than $3 million. And at the end of the 2003 season, when he received $1 million for becoming the Player of the Year on the US PGA's Champions Tour, he donated that cheque to the Trust as well.
With one selfless act of humane compassion, Watson added an unforgettable chapter to player-caddie relationships.
It might have been elementary for Watson, but it endeared him to millions nonetheless.
No wonder then that a deathly silence descended upon the media centre when a man like Watson trudged in after losing the playoff to compatriot Stewart Cink at Turnberry last month.
Not just the emotional fans, but even the hard-nosed journalists were feeling, and sharing his pain.
Watson sat and for almost a minute, contemplated the silence. And then, deciding that he will have to do something to lift the spirits, said: "Come on guys! This ain't no funeral!"
Watson – what a great player! But more importantly… what an even greater human being!
- Joy Chakravarty is editor at Middle East Golfer
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