I think we share some experiences and sensibilities. I’m in Ireland, but Peter Alliss and the BBC at Augusta were a core on Sunday nights all those years ago this side of the water too.
But more: why we watch sport. “Doing the reps while waiting for the moment to come” is a fine way of thinking about it. The “moments” for me include the Friday night/Saturday afternoon Nadal-Djokovic semi of 2018, the Norman-Faldo Masters of 1996 and the Qatar World Cup final. Here’s to more reps as we wait the next pink moon. 🙌
I was close to tears reading your beautifully written piece, so nice to spend it with Henry a memory that will last a lifetime.
As you said so wonderfully “We stay hopeful despite reams of damning evidence, and when we’ve all but given up that hope, it comes together in some freakish spell.” Many of us have sat watching various majors slip out of his grasp and wondered if he would ever win one again but that Sunday our faith was repaid as many millions around the world watched Rory finally get it done.
Thanks Shane. Just read your piece and loved it. People who don’t get sport…I hope they find another way to see all this triumph & disaster play out! It’s wonderful entertainment…
I hear you, Richard. I was in England seeing family and friends so got the full '80s/'90s experience again, staying up until midnight(?) to watch an event that, like those from 1986 (my first) to 1999 (Olazabal's second), I'll remember forever.
Watching it in the U.S. at 'normal' time is great, but staying up late with Peter Alliss was special. And even though there was no Alliss this time, a room full of family and friends, many of whom were non-golfers, adds another precious memory.
Beautifully written, Richard.
I think we share some experiences and sensibilities. I’m in Ireland, but Peter Alliss and the BBC at Augusta were a core on Sunday nights all those years ago this side of the water too.
But more: why we watch sport. “Doing the reps while waiting for the moment to come” is a fine way of thinking about it. The “moments” for me include the Friday night/Saturday afternoon Nadal-Djokovic semi of 2018, the Norman-Faldo Masters of 1996 and the Qatar World Cup final. Here’s to more reps as we wait the next pink moon. 🙌
I’ve only just recovered from the ‘96 Masters. It was wild!
I was close to tears reading your beautifully written piece, so nice to spend it with Henry a memory that will last a lifetime.
As you said so wonderfully “We stay hopeful despite reams of damning evidence, and when we’ve all but given up that hope, it comes together in some freakish spell.” Many of us have sat watching various majors slip out of his grasp and wondered if he would ever win one again but that Sunday our faith was repaid as many millions around the world watched Rory finally get it done.
Thank you, Alan. It was a lovely moment, and the agonising near misses - for both Rory and the Reds - were made up for on Green Sunday!
(PS in case it hasn’t crossed your radar and it’s of interest, my own recent Rory musings are over here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thewedgegolf/p/rory-mcilroy-grand-slam-irish-identity )
Thanks Shane. Just read your piece and loved it. People who don’t get sport…I hope they find another way to see all this triumph & disaster play out! It’s wonderful entertainment…
I hear you, Richard. I was in England seeing family and friends so got the full '80s/'90s experience again, staying up until midnight(?) to watch an event that, like those from 1986 (my first) to 1999 (Olazabal's second), I'll remember forever.
Watching it in the U.S. at 'normal' time is great, but staying up late with Peter Alliss was special. And even though there was no Alliss this time, a room full of family and friends, many of whom were non-golfers, adds another precious memory.
I’m with Alan, terrific shared memories to last a lifetime 👏.