"People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world, but because they refuse to be changed by the world."
-- Michael Josephson
Professional Golf Association (PGA) Rules call for a two-stroke penalty when a player moves any impediment with the start of the player’s backswing. On April 18, 2010, the penalty was imposed on Brian Davis at the Verizon Heritage Golf Classic played at the Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The penalty was imposed on during a playoff round between Davis and eventual champion, Jim Furyk. The penalty cost Brian Davis the championship and over $400,000 in winnings.
The infraction was so slight that it was not witnessed by Furyk or PGA officials. However, Davis said he felt something on his takeaway swing. Davis immediately called for PGA officials and reported his own infraction. After reviewing the videotape several times in slow-motion, it was determined that Brian Davis did indeed strike a reed in his backswing. Jim Furyk was declared the winner.
It is refreshing to know that there are professional athletes that still play by the rules. In today’s society we’ve developed an attitude of "win at all costs." From youth sports to professional sports we have heard numerous stories where coaches and players have disregarded the rules for the sake of winning the game. In the business world, corruption is rampant. We are living in a “do whatever it takes” culture: lie, cheat, and/or steal in order to come out on top.
The story of Brian Davis’ honesty at Harbour Town overshadowed the win by Jim Furyk. The buzz wasn’t about Jim Furyk winning his 15th PGA Tour event. No, it was about a golfer telling the truth; a golfer whose self-reported violation cost him a chance at his first PGA Tour Victory. The story at Harbour Town was about a golfer who put honesty and integrity above money and winning.
We can all learn a lesson from Brian Davis. Davis’ display of true sportsmanship reflects what is really important in life; being a person of character. Character is doing the right thing at the right time even when nobody is paying attention. Our great President George Washington once said, “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." What Brian Davis lost of the course, he gained by strenghtening his character.
Remember if you use deceit to gain advantage, even if it is “just a little,” you may win in the short-term, but you’ll lose in the long run. You’ll lose, because even the littlest of deceit chips away at your character. It today’s culture it is easy to get caught up in the quest for winning. But remember, when the game of life is over, you’ll be judged not by the number of wins you’ve accumulated, but solely upon your character.
Brian Davis you’re my new hero!
***
-- Michael Josephson
Professional Golf Association (PGA) Rules call for a two-stroke penalty when a player moves any impediment with the start of the player’s backswing. On April 18, 2010, the penalty was imposed on Brian Davis at the Verizon Heritage Golf Classic played at the Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head, South Carolina. The penalty was imposed on during a playoff round between Davis and eventual champion, Jim Furyk. The penalty cost Brian Davis the championship and over $400,000 in winnings.
The infraction was so slight that it was not witnessed by Furyk or PGA officials. However, Davis said he felt something on his takeaway swing. Davis immediately called for PGA officials and reported his own infraction. After reviewing the videotape several times in slow-motion, it was determined that Brian Davis did indeed strike a reed in his backswing. Jim Furyk was declared the winner.
It is refreshing to know that there are professional athletes that still play by the rules. In today’s society we’ve developed an attitude of "win at all costs." From youth sports to professional sports we have heard numerous stories where coaches and players have disregarded the rules for the sake of winning the game. In the business world, corruption is rampant. We are living in a “do whatever it takes” culture: lie, cheat, and/or steal in order to come out on top.
The story of Brian Davis’ honesty at Harbour Town overshadowed the win by Jim Furyk. The buzz wasn’t about Jim Furyk winning his 15th PGA Tour event. No, it was about a golfer telling the truth; a golfer whose self-reported violation cost him a chance at his first PGA Tour Victory. The story at Harbour Town was about a golfer who put honesty and integrity above money and winning.
We can all learn a lesson from Brian Davis. Davis’ display of true sportsmanship reflects what is really important in life; being a person of character. Character is doing the right thing at the right time even when nobody is paying attention. Our great President George Washington once said, “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." What Brian Davis lost of the course, he gained by strenghtening his character.
Remember if you use deceit to gain advantage, even if it is “just a little,” you may win in the short-term, but you’ll lose in the long run. You’ll lose, because even the littlest of deceit chips away at your character. It today’s culture it is easy to get caught up in the quest for winning. But remember, when the game of life is over, you’ll be judged not by the number of wins you’ve accumulated, but solely upon your character.
Brian Davis you’re my new hero!
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
MJD
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