Sports fans were treated to hours of championship play over the weekend.
What makes a champion?
Serena Williams at age 33 accomplished her second ‘Serena Slam’ in women’s tennis by winning Wimbledon for the sixth time. Winning meant that Williams now holds all four Grand Slam titles at one time; the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open.
When asked what it takes to win, she said that each match is 100% mental; every moment matters and every game matters. Previously she played her way into mental shape in tournaments. Now she comes ready physically and mentally and was able to overcome her emotions to beat Garbine Muguruza, an aggressive hard hitting power player 12 years her junior. Serena now has her eyes set on the unprecedented (Personal) Calendar Grand Slam at the US Open in September by winning all four majors in one year.
American young gun Rickie Fowler played his final four holes at the Scottish Open birdie-eagle-birdie-birdie to shoot 68 for a win in dramatic fashion. He needed to birdie the 18th hole for a one-shot lead. Fowler hit an amazing 57-degree wedge to 18 inches for a tap-in putt. With his first victory on European soil, Rickie showed he can perform in a big championship and has good momentum to compete in The Open, the third major of this year.
Fowler’s closing strategy was to birdie the last four holes that he had been playing well all week. “This is pretty special,” Fowler said of his maiden win in Europe. “It feels good to be back on form. There are a few things we can tighten up before St Andrews but I am excited to get back to St Andrews. I’m looking to get into contention there.”
“I had breakfast with Phil this morning and he made sure I was well aware what he had done two years ago in winning the Scottish Open and then The Open, so I told him I would try and take care of the first leg of it, so I got that done,” Fowler told reporters.
“To win on a links golf course, my favorite style of golf, in Scotland and the week before the Open and going to St. Andrews, the Home of Golf is great timing,” he said. “It (the win) definitely does a lot for me going into next week. I like my chances.” Fowler said, “I love St. Andrews. It’s the Home of Golf, and it’s going to be special.”
Jordan Spieth the 21-year-old golf wonder continues to offer the mental thoughts that produced his latest victory in a 2-hole play-off at the John Deere Classic. Spieth decided to play in the Classic to evaluate where his game was. He wanted to get ready for The Open at Saint Andrews by feeling the pressure of being in contention. He silenced his critics who questioned his decision by winning the tournament. “I didn’t really care anyways. I came here for a reason. And we accomplished that reason,” Spieth said. Jordan’s strategy is to have fun with all his meticulous planning and execution.
Even though he outlasted his competitors, Spieth’s driver abandoned him at times. He said, “I need to fine tune my driver. I love where my putter is at. My pace control, my speed is awesome right now,” Spieth said.
When asked about the pressure of attempting to win a 3rd major in the same year, Jordan said, “I like to study the history of golf, and it’s extremely special what this year has brought to our team. And to have a chance to do what only one other person in the history of golf has done doesn’t come around very often. I’m sure embracing that opportunity.”
“But by the time I start on Thursday, it won’t be in my head. It’ll be about how can I bring this Open Championship down to just another event, get out there and try and get myself into contention.”
“When I step on the tee Thursday, I don’t look at this as trying to win three in a row,” Spieth said. “I look at this as trying to win The Open Championship at a very special place.”
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