Editorial

Two weeks ago was the Masters' week. Like all good Georgians and golf fans the world over, I was glued to the television on Sunday to watch the final round. I was excited because my guy was leading and looked like he would repeat as the Masters' champion. Of course I am talking about Jordan Speith, one of golf's good guys.

Sunday did not go as Jordan or I hoped. Speith had an epic collapse and failed to win another green jacket. The collapse was so profound, that Jordan's caddy issued a heartfelt press release, praising Jordan and his character. The caddy said the loss hurt but "Jordan Spieth is the same genuine, grounded and humble person he was five years ago, in victory or defeat."

I think the caddy got part of it right. He was talking about Jordan's character. Win or lose, he remains true to himself. However, I suspect he will be different after the epic loss, just like he was different after every loss he has been part of leading up to last Sunday. You see, Speith is a competitor and like all competitors he learns from his losses. He does not let them crush his spirit or change his character, but he does learn from them. It will make him a better golfer.

As I look back on my career, I probably learned more from my mistakes than my successes. Maybe that is because I am an accountant at heart and losses or mistakes, tend to sting more than the positive feelings and learnings from my successes. I am sure a psychiatrist could have fun with this, but I now I am not alone in thinking this way.

Life is all about learning, win or lose. I look forward to watching Jordan return to the golf course. It may take a few weeks to put the collapse behind him, but he will. He is a champion.

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Sincerely,
Kirk Hancock
Editor