More sports lovers should learn this lesson

[Cobra Mgr]

Whether you are a player, fan, owner, agent, reporter, exec, coach etc.....heck, even if you ain't into sports.

Scottie Scheffler

[Déjà Bru]

I wonder how much of this is true feeling and how much is whistling past the graveyard. That is, an attempt to deflect the pressure of being expected to win and being afraid to lose. For, although most of us are content (because we have to be) without being at the pinnacle of something, I don't think you get to that pinnacle without an overriding desire to compete and win.

That said, I agree with your point. Golf is a beautiful game and should be enjoyed, once you are sufficiently skilled not to embarrass yourself, merely for the sake of playing it. People who go at it to beat their buddies or lower their handicaps, well, they only enjoy themselves when they do so.

As for spectators, God, yes. Forget about team owners and management; they are pathetic. But for us, surely, we would take much more satisfaction from our rooting if we were not perpetually and terribly disappointed when our teams don't go all the way.

The best example that I have is a recent one: the Knicks firing their head coach who took them into the Eastern Conference Finals, the best team they had in 25 years. What was it, less than a week later when they fired him for not winning a championship? I don't care about the morons who run that organization, but I will say that this injustice ruined my memories of this past season.

[Cobra Mgr]

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

I wonder how much of this is true feeling and how much is whistling past the graveyard. That is, an attempt to deflect the pressure of being expected to win and being afraid to lose. For, although most of us are content (because we have to be) without being at the pinnacle of something, I don't think you get to that pinnacle without an overriding desire to compete and win.

I don't think so. He admits that he works hard to reach this point. That this was the goal. Question is, what did he ultimately gain? There has to be more. He can invent more dragons to slay but he will always reach the same xroad. "What's next? What reason will he have to get out of bed after climbing the highest peak?" Winning, being on top, claiming the GOAT isn't ultimately enough.

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

That said, I agree with your point. Golf is a beautiful game and should be enjoyed, once you are sufficiently skilled not to embarrass yourself, merely for the sake of playing it. People who go at it to beat their buddies or lower their handicaps, well, they only enjoy themselves when they do so.

That's not my point at all. My thought is accomplishing all you can in this world does not bring true, lasting happiness. Being champion, having the most $, the most things, the most fame isn't fulfilling. And when players make decisions,life decisions, choosing where they have the best chance to win, where the state tax is low or non existent is short sighted. If playing for loser for less $ gives you and your family a better quality of life, that is the better choice. Again, it's why I admired Johnny Gaudreau.

Originally Posted by Déjà Bru

As for spectators, God, yes. Forget about team owners and management; they are pathetic. But for us, surely, we would take much more satisfaction from our rooting if we were not perpetually and terribly disappointed when our teams don't go all the way.

I'm thinking more in line w/media and fans who think players should moves based on their "legacy". Legacy, schmegacy. Being a legend is not all it is propped up to be. Ain't no sports star happier than ringless Charles Barkley. Cause he has perspective.

[Déjà Bru]

I think the point that I thought you were making, and the thought that is the point of your thread, are closer than you think.