When sport matters
There has been a lot of golf news in the last week. But allow me focus on what I feel was the biggest feelgood story in the game in the last week at the Scandinavian Mixed
First of all, it's always a pleasue to work with such a professional team of producers and commentators. And there was the added bonus this week of two Swedish golf legends joining us in the commentary box. The one in the bottom picture came 2nd!
But it wasn't about who came second. If you don't know the concept of the event, the field is equally split between male and female players from the Ladies European Tour and DP World Tour with just one trophy and one first prize, whatever the sex of the winner.
As someone who watches a lot of women's golf, who hears lots of disparaging comments from people who act out of ignorance as well as sexism, it was heartening and affirming to see a female champion. But it wasn't just that Linn Grant won, it was the manner of her victory.
If you watch a lot of golf, you will be aware of the pressure that comes with leading going into the final round of a tournament. Many fold after a sleepless night. And even those that don't fold, suffer. Scottie Scheffler after his recent win at the Masters, told how he broke down sobbing the morning of the last round at Augusta, in complete panic.
Then bear in mind Linn Grant was playing on home soil, in front of thousands that included friends and family. Then bear in mind she was the only woman in the top 15 of the leaderboard heading in the last day. I felt nervous for her. The wind had picked up, conditions a little trickier. She had, amongst others, the Ryder Cup captain breathing down her neck.
So what did she do?
She went out and birdied 5 of the first 6 holes!! She shot the lowest round of the day, a 64. She beat everyone by 9 shots. She beat her nearest female competitor by 14 shots. It was one of the most memorable commentaries I have been part of.
In a week when money and sniping and boasting was at the top of the agenda from all sides, in a sport I clearly love, this warmed the heart. A big moment for women's golf. A story that was about talent, pure talent and the ability to perform at the optimum level under the most severe of pressure. Isn't that what golf and all sport is about?