2006 you're on top of the world and named PGA Rookie of the Year.
2007 you contract a serious virus, lose 20 pounds and wonder if you're ever going to feel strong enough to compete again.
Then just as you get your game back on track and tie for 6th place at the 2007 PGA Championship, life tries to knock you down again, putting you in the hospital to have surgery to remove a tumor from your ribcage. You can barely walk for 2 weeks.
How do you enter 2008?
Well, I don't know how you would do it, but I'd tentatively enter the year, hoping to make some cuts and come back slowly, not taking any risks...not expecting too much of myself...staying low of the radar.
Thank goodness, Trevor Immelman isn't me!
Known for focus, determination, a competitive nature second only perhaps to Tiger Woods, Trevor Immelman did it his way and he was awarded the coveted green jacket with a score of -8, 3 ahead of the world's number one (Tiger Woods), and 6 ahead of the world's number 2 (Phil Mickelson).
I loved watching Trevor this weekend. His poise and focus were very evident as he walked the course with his head down, concentrating on every shot. The crowds were loud and supportive and he tipped his hat often, but he never lost focus of what he was trying to do.
Even when he holed his final putt to win, there was no Tiger-like fist pump - no "YES!" - no antics of any kind. He was calm, quiet and gracious. It almost looked to me like he was in a bit of a daze.
When asked in the post round press conference how it has been for him given all his challenges over the last year, Immelman shared honestly, "It's been the ultimate roller coaster ride and I hate roller coasters....and after missing the cut last week to winning the Masters this week, it's the craziest thing I've ever heard of."
Going into 2008, Immelman said he was eager to play, but his game wasn't there; he wasn't happy with the way he was playing. He had to start from zero again, but he kept chipping away, trying to stay positive as he slowly got better.
I've always enjoyed watching Trevor play golf, but I really didn't know that much about him.
I didn't realize that he said he wanted to be the number one in the world at the age of 5.
I didn't know that he was so competitive with his sister playing board games, that if he didn't win, he wouldn't play. haha...
I didn't know that his mother used to caddie for him at tournaments and said to him, "I won't walk in the rough and I won't rake bunkers. If you go into either of those places, you'll have to deal with that yourself." And sure enough, she'd sit in the middle of the fairway and he'd have to walk back and forth to get his clubs - LOL!
There was a lot I didn't know about the first South African since Gary Player to win a Masters, but after he won, the TV was full of great stories and facts about his life. Isn't it great to see someone being profiled besides Tiger Woods?
Trevor is blessed with talent, amazing good looks and a beautiful family. He refers to his wife as "fantastic" - gotta love that! They met in high school 15 years ago and have a very young son Jacob, who he obviously adores. It was great to see Jacob run to his dad on the 18th hole - that's when we saw the big smile and joy on Trevor's face (and what a smile!).
I just heard Trevor say on TV that he wants to be a role model to young kids. Well, Trevor, as far as I am concerned...
- your professional demeanor on the course (no spitting in cups, not chewing tabacco, no smashing of clubs)
- your kinds words for your fellow competitor, Zach Johnston (calling him a fantastic man, fine champion and an incredible ambassador)
- your public recognition of the sacrifices your parents made to help you achieve your dream
- your commitment to your family
- and your humility in front of the cameras and fans
tell me, you're already a great role model.
Called a diamond that needs a little polish by Gary Player, Trevor Immelman is a rising star who could have fallen after his past year of health scares. But instead, Trevor Immelman is shining bright and I believe he has the talent and perseverance to climb the ladder to number 2 by the end of 2008.
What do you think?
Golfgal
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