This seemed like a good  piece to write just after this year’s Masters. Some of  the specifics here might be slightly off. But the message is clear …

This is former professional golfer Curtis Strange. He was involved in one of most memorable tournament golf tournaments in history. The 1985 Masters. You don’t have to know golf to appreciate the lesson behind the story here.

Strange was leading the golf tournament by one shot when he teed off on 15. This second shot is one of the most challenging on the iconic Augusta National course. As he examined the distance to 15, Jim Nance and Jack Nicklaus were doing the television commentary. Nance… “Jack, Curtis should lay up.  Have a chance for birdie. And give himself the best chance to win the golf tournament. Nicklaus replied, “Jim, don’t be so sure.”

You see, if Curtis could reach the green in two, and make an eagle (two under par?) He would almost assure himself of at least a tie with current leader Bernard Langer. But laying up made total sense to Jim Nance. Strange pulled out his three wood. He would go for the green trying to land his ball beyond the pond in front. A solid strike. See Curtis above. Maybe a little anxious. But confident too that he’d hit a great shot. You could hear a hush in the crowd as the ball flew to the hole. And then groans as it hit the embankment in front of the hole and bounced back into the water. Costing Strange the win. Jim Nance, “Jack, can you believe he did that! That shot definitely made him lose the golf tournament.”

The TV camera turned to picture Nicklaus who replied. “Jim, champions never fear failure.” Indeed, Strange did lose the Masters that day.  A devastating loss especially when you realize he led the tournament by three shots with six holes to play. His post tournament interviews were forthright, filled with emotion but totally professional.

Remember what Jack Nicklaus had said … “Champions never fear failure.” Curtis Strange didn’t. He took a chance and missed. But he never feared doing so.

What happened following what most called this an epic collapse? Curtis Strange. That guy who “blew” the Masters? Went on to later win two consecutive US Opens. Two consecutive US Opens.

The story here? “Champions never fear failure.” In fact, the true “champions” in life actually fail more than failures do. Why? Failures fail… and quit. Champions, those who fail, never fear. They fail. Get backup try again. And try again. Until they succeed. World renowned basketball star Michael Jordan had 26 opportunities to hit the winning shot during his NBA career. We only remember his last second winner in the first game of the 1989 NBA championship. His incredible winner in 1995. Then there was Steve Jobs, Apple founder. Thomas Edison. Oprah Winfrey. All of whom failed and failed. Only to rise to great fame. Never quitting.

So, to my grandchildren and all young people growing today.  A great lesson? Always take those calculated chances to do things a bit out of your reach. Always a little over your head. Take a risk. Despite angst or fear you might not succeed this time. Know there is always another “game” to be played. You will always learn from failures that will make your next win, next success so, so much sweeter!

Champions like Curtis Strange, Michael Jordan and so many others … never feared failure. Neither should any of us. Go for it!