Infidelity and Devotion

Sports – like all of life – is often a study in contrasts and contradictions. We witnessed a vivid example in yesterday’s closing round of The Masters.

The week started with tongues wagging about the return of Tiger Woods to the PGA golf circuit after his much-publicized violations of his marriage vows. How would Tiger perform on the biggest stage of all in the professional golf world? How would the spectators respond to the seemingly repentant superstar? Would Elin attend?

Each question was answered over the course of the tournament’s four days, but slowly – almost imperceptibly – another story emerged. Phil Mickelson, once known as the greatest golfer never to have won a major golf championship, made one phenomenal shot after another to snatch attention – and victory (his third at the Masters) – away from Tiger and other contenders.

After sinking his final shot for a birdie on the 18th hole, Mickelson’s poignant, tearful embrace of his wife, Amy, could not have been more fitting. Eleven months after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Amy has been fighting a battle even more fierce than the one her husband waged over the four days at Augusta National.

For sports purists, Tiger Woods’ 11-under par, fourth-place finish satisfied expectations, and Mickelson’s demonstration of golfing artistry – 16 under par – was a glowing addition to the Masters’ legend.

But the real story was the elevation of love over a sordid tale of lust. While the fate of Tiger and Elin’s marriage appears still in doubt, the devotion between Phil and Amy was obvious. He had prevailed in an epic battle, and all observers were hoping she would as well.

The Bible says, “Many a man claims to have unfailing love, but a faithful man who can find?” (Proverbs 20:6). On Sunday, I think we saw one donning the fabled green jacket.