Being Rocco

[At Golf’s U.S. Open, June 12-15, 2008, at Torrey Pines Gold Course in San Diego California, 45 year-old Rocco Mediate was played to a tie by struggling golf phenomenon Tiger Woods, who was recovering from knee surgery. On June 16, they tied at the end of the tie-breaking 18 holes, and the match ended with a determined Woods winning in a sudden-death extra hole. Mediate had captured the crowd with his positive outlook; and while he was certainly trying to win, he was just happy to be there.]

Implausible defined golf’s U.S. Open
that low-ranked Rocco could be so sublime
for eighteen holes he played as he was hoping
when Mediate faced Woods at Torrey Pines.

Now Woods, the Number One in all the world
was hacking balls and straying off the course
his knee’s third surgery left him playing hurt
without incredible putts he would be worse.

But Rocco, playing like a miracle man
was holding on and often out in front
yet to enjoy the moment was his plan
to win of course or prove he’s not a stunt.

He didn’t beat Woods, and yet he really won:
respect and hope and playing with Woods and fun.

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