EVEN HOLLYWOOD CAN'T MAKE THIS UP...

Many of you have seen "The Legend of Vagger Vance" (supposedly it has Ted Ray, Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen playing with the movie's hero), or "Follow the Sun" (the story of Ben Hogan's comeback from a near death accident), or my favorite, "The Greatest Game of All" (the story of Francis Ouimet, the first American to win the U.S. Open, which he won as an amateur). These last two are true stories, but of course, Hollywood will always work hard to make things look better, as it did with these two... that's their job anyway.

But, if you saw the third round of the U.S. Open, you will agree with me that not even Hollywood can make up Tiger Woods' story today. Win or no win tomorrow, this is one of the most exciting rounds I've ever seen, particularly the end... the exclamation mark. One that says, "I am here, I'm in pain, but I will not quit trying, and I will reach deep and give you my best." Perhaps tomorrow (yes, I know that for many of you, this thing is over, but we all know it's not), we will see him hoist the trophy in his greatest triumph yet.

This was better than a movie! Better than a play. This was truly the stuff of legends. The day begun with me trying to cheer Phil Mickelson into contention, that did not happen; then, I begun to pull for David Love III, that almost happened, then, I pulled for Rrrrocco! (Mediate)... how can't you! He is the nicest of guys, he respects the game and loves the tough conditions of the U.S. Open, and of course, he can play. Then... how can you ignore the determination an talent of Tiger? His work through pain? Two eagles on the back nine, one to take the lead into Sunday? No, he has not won yet, but sorry guys, even being a Jack Nicklaus man, on Sunday I will be pulling for him on Sunday, and if he comes to the last hole 5 shots behind or 5 ahead, he won me over again.

It's like pulling for the U.S. Hockey Team in 1980, or Sgt. Pedraza in the 20 kilometer walk during the 1968 Olympics... the impossible becoming possible. the athlete in true pain, reaching to his innermost for the shot that will win him a championship. Races are won by 1/10th of a second, golf tournaments by one shot. Let's see!...

We'll talk about the Local Elks Tournament tomorrow... I could not resist giving my 5 cents on Tiger's extraordinary effort.