by Carmen Tassone
9-11-2001
The Oxford English Dictionary defines a
champion as "a fighting man; a stout fighter, a man of valour."
Although this may have been an appropriate definition during an earlier
time, today's world of political correctness may deem this description
as archaic. No one gender can possess the meaning exclusively.
Nor should a sport or contest hold the meaning to a lone gender.
A more modern description of a champion may read as "a fighting person;
a stout fighter, a person of valour." A champion stands above
others because of his or her skill, ability and character.
Whether in a physical or a mental contest, a champion overcomes
obstacles that cause others to falter. And in the sport of golf
the champion must battle both mind and body.
Now having said that, it should also be
mentioned that a champion does not a victor make. Although an
individual may be victorious upon besting his or her opponents, this
does not necessarily mean he or she is a champion. Indeed a
victor bears said title, yet winning is but a single part of being a
champion. A more important attribute of the champion is his or
her quality of mind, which gives him or her the ability to face
competition with confidence, courage and valour. A many able
victors have fallen asunder because they lacked the courage found within the
heart of a true champion. And from what I've witnessed during
the three days of competition on the hills of Tama, I believe it
safe to say true champions indeed walk amongst us--five, to be exact.
The first day leader boards revealed
scores of level par and sub-par net rounds. Young Shawn
Southerd led the field by posting an even score, seventy-two.
Similarly, other flight leaders turned in cards besting their
handicaps. Mark Acklin minus one, Yoko Lofton minus three,
Mitchell Holman minus five, and tied at the top of their flight,
Larry Lawson and Carmen Tassone at minus six.
Day two seemed to weed out the aspiring from
the contenders. Terry Boeder and M.J. Onomoto topped their
perspective flights, while Robert Lant and Kazuno Muskus challenged
their leaders for the top spot on the big board. First day
leaders, Holman and Tassone, fell off pace, as second day rounds
kept Southerd and Lawson in command of their flights.
Final day results were unmatched in previous
outings. Each champion posted a better round than the previous
day. Three of whom posted their best rounds of
the championship.
Jay McNair won the championship flight decisively
with a two-under par seventy, besting his closest competitors by six
strokes. Mike Aerston won his flight with a round of seven-over
par, seventy-nine. Larry Lawson took his flight with a
twelve-over par eighty-four. Yoko Lofton and Richard Fowler
posted scores of eighty and eighty-four respectively to win their
flights.
During the final day of play, each 2001
Champion proved his or her mettle on the hills of Tama. They
rose to the occasion and shot their personal bests. Rock
solid tee shots placed them in contention, laser-like approaches
distanced them from the rest of the field, and nerves of steel on
the putting surface revealed their valour.
This year's Champions knew the battle was
not with their competitors or the course, but rather the battle
could be found within themselves. These champions prevailed
not over the field but over the struggle within.
When they experienced pressure, they remained calm.
When they faced difficulties, they persevered.
And throughout the
three-day contest their confidence remained high and their focus
remained sharp. They won not because they had the best score
on the last day, but because they were able to overcome obstacles
that caused others to falter, and their courageous hearts led them
to victory. I truly believe champions do indeed walk amongst us.
Congratulations to each and every one of them for being our
Club Champions.
