Being Inspired from the Masters

Every April I can’t wait to watch the Masters.

It’s a rite of spring for me. It signals the start of better weather, barbequing in the back yard, fly fishing and yes perhaps the occasional game of golf.

I was happy to find a new retirement role model at this years tournament by the name of Gary Player.

On Thursday Gary, at age 89, along with other former master winners Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson hit the ceremonial first tee shot.

Gary took one practice swing and then drove the ball up the left side of the fairway in perfect position for his second shot if he had been playing the hole for real.

Being happy with his shot, Player then launched into a high karate kick.

Eighty nine year olds shouldn’t be able to kick like that heck if I tried it would lead to a bad cramp or worse for sure.

Amazingly Gary’s game hasn’t slipped much over the years due to his strict fitness regime.

He has been working out for years and as a result he is probably one of the fittest 89 year olds on the planet. A poster boy for the anti-aging effects of regular exercise and eating healthy.

His goal is to reach 100.

I wouldn’t bet against him.

On Friday I cheered for Bernhard Langer a 67 year old Baby Boomer trying to make the cut. It was his last time playing at the Masters and I wanted to see him go out on top. Langer knew he couldn’t win the tournament with players like Bryson outdriving him by 70+ yards.

The advantage for younger players at a course like Augusta is significant. Bryson could play a par four hitting driver, nine iron while Langer would have to go driver five iron a significant advantage over 36 holes.

Instead of playing for the win his goal was to make the cut which would have been special. Just ask all the young players who failed to make this year’s cut line.

And the amazing thing is he almost managed to pull off.

Teeing up on 18 he was on the cut line.

His last ever masters drive was perfect but short at 275 yards. He still had 270 yards to the pin. He was forced to hit a 3-hybrid that kicked left of the green. He needed an up and down to achieve his goal but sadly came up short in the end.

Close but no cigar. It was finally over there will never be another attempt. Langer’s hero journey was finally over.

Similar to Langer Ironman Ottawa will be my last Ironman attempt and my sole focus will be on trying to make the 17 hour cutoff.

Win, lose or draw after that there will be no further Ironmans for this retirement rebel.

My plan going forward is to cut back and do an annual Half Ironman to help keep myself in shape like Gary Player.

Who knows by training like that maybe I’ll even make it to 100.