Anti-Establishment

Just the name itself seems a little irreverent among the azaleas and the Georgia pines.  Bubba.  A kid from Florida who went to college in Georgia and has the most unorthodox skills in the world of golf is the King of it after an unbelievable Easter Sunday display in front of a national television audience.  If you have no idea who or what I'm talking about let me introduce you to the 2012 Masters champion, Bubba Watson.  If you didn't devote a good part of your Sunday afternoon to watching him and a slew of other golfers fight it out over 18 grueling holes with two additional sudden death holes for he and Louis Oosthuizen you missed some of the best drama television has to offer.

It's a great story of a 33 year old kid (I can actually call someone in their mid 30's a kid now since I am an "advanced" 40 year old) who had won three times previously on the pro tour.  His best finish at the Masters prior to this weekend was a tie for 20th in 2008.  I could write a long time about all the back and forth competition between he and his playing partner for the day and sudden death adversary Oosthuizen but there are some much more interesting anecdotes and lessons for all of us from Bubba.  The guy who has never taken a golf lesson in his life and who has a swing that sometimes looks like he could be a stunt double as one of the Three Stooges is the Masters Champion!
Like many professional athletes these days most golfers have a coach for everything from nutrition and exercise to a swing and meditation coach.  Not this guy.  This self taught guy steps up to the tee and puts a left-handed swing that looks like something you could see at the local municipal course from a guy destined to hit the ball a long way - to the right or the left.  Not only is it an unusual swing but it just so happens he is the number 1 ranked golfer in driving distance by a wide margin.  So why all the fuss over Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson?

I learned at least three lessons watching Bubba play Sunday that apply to how I work and relate to other people that you should add to your skill set as well:

• Dance to your own music - Just because everyone else or "they" say it has to be done a certain way doesn't make it right.  Find a style that is all your own and then perfect it so that you become the best at what you do and other people notice you along the way.
• Go ahead and let them see you sweat - For some four hours on Sunday Bubba battled toe to to with Louis.  Realize that on the 4th hole Mr. Oosthuizen made arguably one of the greatest shots in Masters history - a double eagle 2 on a par 5 from over 200 yards away.  Bubba didn't blink but he did show every emotion in his bag during the day.  Pressure is a part of life and it's okay to tell other people what your challenges are and ask for help.  That's what "caddies" are for!  Who do you need to help carry your burdens?
• Victory is sweet - Frankly, I don't know how Bubba held it together long enough to sink the final 6 inch putt to win the tournament.  He broke in to tears before he was able to retrieve his ball from the cup and a good solid minute of raw emotion poured out in embraces with is caddie and subsequently his mother.  The guy poured himself 110% in to making his dream a reality.  Later he told the national television audience he hadn't dreamed far ahead enough to envision being a Masters champion.  The realization that he had reached the pinnacle brought a rush of emotion.  There is nothing better than preparing to win and then going out and doing it.  The best victories in life are best celebrated with those who have helped you get there.

My challenge to you is to look your challenges square in the eye and find your own unique way to overcome them.  Who knows how many people might be watching and cheering when you finally make it to the top of your field.