On Being A Champion...

Thoughts from '04 champion Dyson, B (partner Breech, P) on the annual Lawlevitational Golf Tournament.

-reprinted from The New York Times with permission-

Lawlevitational. The very name of this most prestigious of golf tournaments sends shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned pros. The honour and prestige of participating in what has become known as the "5th Major" is felt throughout the entire tournament weekend.

It has become something of a well known fact that the hardest part of this tournament is the initial walk from the pro shop to the first tee box. The hope that pulses through the veins of each and every competitor leaves a sense of euphoria that is only shaken off by that first early morning beer. When the name of the next player to tee off is announced, followed by the polite applause of the other competitors, that one split second presents the hope that the trophy will finally be yours to raise above your head.

Some say winning doesn't matter, that having a good time participating in the tournament is what it's really all about. But to those I say: you have never won and are therefore losers. The only thing that matters during the Lawlepalooza weekend is winning that tournament. Anything less, and you sit at the kid's table.

Players have given up everything for the chance to raise that Champions plaque high in the air. Many have tried, a few have won, but most are failures. Relationships have been torn asunder By the Egregious, Galling, Indecent, Neurotic act of falling short. Other fairy tales have been born and developed into engagements that saw their start in victory at the Lawlevitational (see '07 champions Peck and Lawless).

You may see knowing glances exchanged between past champions at tournament weekend. Be warned that these are the acknowledgments between men who have sacrificed everything to have their name inscribed on that most hallowed of sporting trophies. They have given up so much to join the ranks of legends.

They say that to conquer the treacherous psychological battles of the Lawlevitational, one must prepare onself in that same manner as if one was a soldier in a bloody conflict in central Africa. I say this holds some truth, but that the real preparation for the Lawlevitational is what one does in the weeks and months prior to teeing off on that first hole at Turkey Point golf course. It is the preparation that only champions can know of. It is the preparation that I have only been able to fully complete once in this lifetime.

So to all those aspiring champions, I leave you with this:

Godspeed, and remember that there is a price to pay for not hitting past the ladies tees.

Dyson, B
'04 Co-Champion
Lawlevitational Golf Tournament