I know little about the game of golf, except for the time I took lessons and practiced with a few ladies from work. I quit after it seemed I was good at whacking the ball hard, but had no finesse in putting.
I don’t follow players or watch golf tournaments now, but I know names of some of the game’s most famous: Tiger Woods, Greg Norman, Vijay Singh, Lee Travino, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus.
And then there’s Phil Mickelson.
At age 50, Phil became the oldest male golfer to win the 2021 PGA championship on May 23rd. I happened to click on the station broadcasting the game to watch the end and the delight of the crowd as they chanted, “Lefty! Lefty! Lefty!” Obviously, Phil golfs left-handed, one thing I did know about him.
“The 50-year-old Mickelson, ranked 115th in the world, without a top 10 in his last 16 starts and without truly contending in a major championship the past four years did the near-unthinkable on Sunday.”
I chose this story not only for the happy ending, but for the realization that no matter what the last five or ten years look like, what our life has been like, what struggles we have been through, we can make great accomplishments at any age. Grandma Moses started painting at age 76. John Glenn went back into space at age 77. Christopher Plummer won an Oscar at age 82.
Phil Mickelson did his thing at 50 and perhaps there’s more for him in the next five years and beyond. I should also mention that Phil plays with psoriatic arthritis, which must give his golf swing fits from time to time. Thankfully, luckily and perhaps blessedly, he forgot his age and any health issues, and found the best golf game of his life. Kudos to him and to everyone over 50 who keep going and strive for the unexpected and exceptional.
“Welcome to the “We are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB ). The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit.” ~Belinda Witzenhausen~
If you would like to join in with posting for #WATWB or simply spread some joy on Facebook or Twitter, please click HERE for more information, guidelines and the hosts for this month’s event. You can go HERE to be part of the #WATWB Community Facebook page, where monthly posts congregate for your reading pleasure.
Mary J Melange 
Thank you for supporting WATWB and for reminding us that age isn’t always an indication of what we can do.
I hope you have a great weekend, Mary.
I was reminded of age and strength the other day while helping a friend shovel rock for a small landscaping project. I thought of Phil, how at a younger age, he performed a feat that belied his age and physicality. It’s an achievement that tells us to “keep going, keep moving” always.
It’s so important.
Right!
🙂
If you believe what everyone else says, you will live down to their expectations. If you believe in yourself you will reach the stars.
Absolutely true, Pam. Believing in self can be so difficult, yet worth the outcome if you can understand your own capablities.
Wasn’t that wonderful?!!! I was holding my breath at the end. Fifty seems young to me, but then you see the ages of those playing against him. Go, Lefty!!!
Yes it was, Lois. I’m glad I tuned in at the right time to watch history being made by a good role model in sports.
My husband is a keen golfer and he was glued to the set. Lovely entry thanks Mary, and a reminder of how much can be achieved at any age!
You’re welcome, Susan, and I hope your husband has a Phil kind of day the next time he hits the golf course.
My mother always says that age is “just a number” while my grandmother used to say age is “a state of mind”. I think they were both correct – you are only as old as you feel!!
Your mom and grandmother are accurate. In my head, I never feel my age…I’m still 15 years younger. The trick is to make my body cooperative with that age. 😏
A great story for WATWB. Just the perfect thought for going into summer. Happy Memorial Day, Mary.
Same to you Ally. Enjoy the days ahead and swing freely through the warmer weather.
Great post, I needed to hear this right now. In my 50’s I’m worrying that it’s too late for many of my goals but Mr. Mickleson gives me hope! Thanks so much for sharing this and for being a part of #WATWB.Hope you have a wonderful week.
I don’t believe it’s ever too late to meet goals, Belinda, as long as one puts their mind and effort toward it. You have plenty of time and support! 🙂
🤗❤️
What a great reminder that age does not need to be a hurdle.
Positively true, Maggie!
Having just turned 50 myself, it’s nice to see age is just another number. 🙂
I try to keep that in my head, Eric, about age. It’s good to think young and keep moving.
I’ve noticed it’s harder to get my kicks up where they were ten years ago and it’s harder to recover from a hard workout, but I’ve also noticed that if I stop moving it’s way harder to get moving again. Best to keep moving. 🙂