I’ve been thinking a lot about Phil Mickelson’s sweet Masters triumph last weekend and how it has brought out the very best in so many men.

Be it conversationally or through social media, there has been a noteworthy outpouring of support and satisfaction for Mickelson and his family this week. His wife, who has breast cancer, was there to see him seal his victory and lock him in an embrace viewers will long remember.Many of the guys who are golf fans and follow the sport closely were right there in his corner. Many of the guys who are general sports fans and follow golf loosely saw the magic brewing on Saturday and were drawn in by the compellingly human storyline that was unfolding. Everything I loved about covering sports (in my former life) was in the mix at Augusta National – stellar play, adversity, crowds, tradition, drama.

I focus here on the men, though, because in this world of generalizing it is all too often loyal, principled men are lumped in with the cads and lost souls. This was a visible way to see guys standing behind someone whose family had had a rough year and be moved by their own emotions when Mickelson made that last putt, donned that green jacket and all that transpired in between.

Years ago I taught myself to be a better writer by voraciously examining the work of then-Sports Illustrated’s Rick Reilly (and his colleague Gary Smith), so it is with the utmost respect that I suggest an alternate view from his ESPN piece calling this Masters outcome a victory for women. ESPN is owned by Walt Disney Co. (DIS). 

I understand and appreciate the spirit of his message, but I think in some ways it perpetuates the notion that women value loyalty more than men. Doesn’t that get us into iffy territory?

This response from males to Mickelson was at the opposite end of the spectrum from, say, guys slapping another guy – let’s say a married one – on the back because he’s getting a whole lot of somethin’ on the side. Am I just blessedly surrounded by men who have reached a point in life where it’s cool to applaud the family man? Maybe the frat houses of the land are pinning up posters of a guy who gets around with a big banner over the top that says “Just do it” and   I’m blissfully unaware.

It felt like men were relieved to express themselves about Mickelson. To see themselves perhaps somewhere in that triumph. To see their own life choices in the hug felt around the world (if not the elusive birdie after birdie).

I’m not saying women didn’t enjoy the heck out of it. We did. We can be saps. We’re almost always up for the romantic ending. But this was no chick flick. This was real life, real love, no acting. Or so we hope on the latter. Collective fingers crossed that there won’t be a headline coming down the pike a year from now that busts this love story to pieces. Not being a cynic here, but a realist.

Most of us want to believe in a fellow human being who could use a lift at a trying time, gets a big one by earning it, and shares it with his loving spouse. The Mickelsons gave us a treasured moment.

I say let’s all –  men and women – concentrate on being that person who works hard, loves all-out, and values loyalty. We can wish others well and derive joy from this kind of story, but also keep it in perspective. What a takeaway that would be.

That’s my happy, sappy ending.

 

Nancy Colasurdo is a practicing life coach and freelance writer. Her Web site is www.nancola.com. Please direct all questions/comments to FOXGamePlan@gmail.com.