“Wow” is all I could muster as I witnessed the culmination of the greatest golf tournament I have ever seen.

As the US Open came to a close with Tiger Woods hoisting yet another trophy and winning another Major, I began to reflect on what makes Tiger so good. This coupled with memories fresh from Father’s Day spurred thoughts of the characteristics I would like a son of mine to possess if I am ever blessed to have one (or ten).

If I am able to raise a family with the type of consistency, focus, and respect Tiger Woods exemplifies to the viewing public and was taught by his father, Earl Woods, I will consider it a success.

Consistency
One does not become as good as Tiger is at a chosen profession just by chance or natural ability. Sure, Tiger was born with genetically inherited talent from his father. He was also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to play golf from a very young age. However, along the way Tiger had to choose between becoming a better golfer and all of the fun distractions so many of us get caught up in that prevent us from pursuing our own dreams and improving upon our God-given abilities.

Tiger made the tough decisions, and it has lead him to two separate four year periods where he has won at least one major each year. The consistency in his work ethic, decision making, and demeanor allow Tiger to stay at the top while challengers come and go.

Focus
This characteristic goes hand-in-hand with the consistency possessed by Tiger Woods. I have heard several comments from friends, coworkers and commentators regarding a perceived arrogance Tiger seems exude on a golf course. They refer to examples of Tiger backing away from shots to the way he “struts” on the course.

When I hear these comments, I feel like taking a 9 iron to their heads.

Tiger Woods is not arrogant on the course he is merely taking his focus to a level others tend not to reach during the course of completing a task. The misconstrued “strut” is nothing but a focused gait. He controls everything that happens on the course, from his shots to his walk.

Woods backs off of shots when he is uncomfortable or does not feel as though he is giving a shot the comprehensive attention his craft demands. Imagine if we all took each task at our work as seriously as he takes each swing at his place of business.

Respect
Tiger respects his talent, his family, and his place in the history of the game of golf. Tiger knows very few can do what he does on a consistent basis at the level he does it.

He never shows up his opponents, he pays his respects to those who paved the way before him, and he appreciates the family that supported him while chasing his dream. Too often we witness athletes who do not show respect for their talent, the game, or their family (LeBron James even cursed his own mother in the NBA Playoffs).

Fans of all sports should learn to appreciate this overlooked piece of Tiger’s character. In fact, I would claim it is the most important piece of Tiger’s character.

The Competition
In the beginning, it was Justin Leonard and David Duval. For a time, some felt Sergio Garcia or Vijay Singh were the biggest threats to the Tiger throne. Most would agree Phil Mickelson has been the most prominent challenger to Tiger from tournament to tournament. However, on Monday, Rocco Mediate was the only person standing between Tiger Woods and his 14th Major Championship as well as his 65th PGA Tour win, and while he put on a terrific show, the poor guy did not stand a chance.

You hear about the “grind” in golf; Tiger is the essence of the term. He grinds along in golf as well as life being the most consistent, focused, and respectful person I have witnessed. Earl Woods must have looked down on his son with immense pride yesterday, as he should. He raised a good one.

Heisman

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