Ernie Els Wins the British Open

It was a Sunday so predictable that everyone just settled back waiting for Adam Scott to win the British Open.
No one was close as the last day of play began. He had a 4-shot lead on a tough links course. Tiger Woods made it clear from his bogie on the first hole that it wasn't going to be his day. It wasn't. And the other younger players tried but rose and fell as the day wore on and the "church pew" bunkers took their toll on everyone, except Scott.
But, playing his game quietly and steadily was Ernie Els. He came from behind to finish the 18th at -7, 1 stroke behind Scott who was on the 16th and had already lost most of his lead. All Adam Scott had to do was what he had done all week - play the fairways and putt.
And, then it all fell apart. Scott bogied down to -7 and needed to par 18 to force a play-off. He bogied, after finding all the bunkers he had missed during the first 3 and two-third rounds of the British Open.
While he was watching his playing partner putt on 18, the camera focused on his face. He mouthed, "Why?"
That is the universal golfer's question. Everyone asks it a thousand times a season. There is no real answer - just the golf fates taking the facade off a golfer who was playing better than he really was capable of.
When they congratulated Els in the media room afterward, he thanked them but said, "I feel for Adam Scott. He's a good friend..."
That is also golf.
As for Adam Scott, he's a better than average golfer and he may win a major yet.
But, there seems to be some indefinable quality that lurks in the souls and muscles of truly great champions. It is that something that allows them to face up to and win majors. Note that a golfer who wins any major will probably win other majors. Els now has all four on his trophy shelf. Adam Scott is still waiting for his first.