Y.E. Yang

I haven't posted anything since last week and a major event in the world of golf took place on Sunday. I had posted about the progress of Jeev Milkha Singh in the PGA Championship last week. He did make the cut but didn't play great during the weekend. In fact, he was downright awful on Sunday. However, Y.E. Yang of South Korea made history by beating Tiger Woods in the final round.

Mid way through the final round, Padraig Harrington looked like the one who'd challenge Tiger since he had started with pars on the first 7 holes. Then, he posted a scarcely believable 8 on the par 3 8th hole! So, that was that for his title defense. It looked like the tournament was Tiger's for the taking. But he didn't look his usual self all day. It never felt like he was going to crush everyone that stood in his path. But, Yang was the only one left in position to challenge him and everyone just kept waiting for him to crumble under the pressure.

I like Tiger Woods. But he always, always wins. So, normally I'd root for the guy playing against Tiger but, at first, I was reluctant to root for Yang. If he won, he'd become the first Asian player to win a major and I had been dreaming about Jeev Singh or another Indian being in that position. However, by the time he made the brilliant chip-in for eagle on the 14th hole, Yang had won me and the entire crowd over. There was no stopping him from there and his amazing approach shot from the rough on the 18th sealed it. When he made the birdie-putt to win the tournament, the crowd - full of Americans - went wild for the Korean-born Yang. In the same week when American soccer players had encountered some of the most dangerously partisan crowd in Mexico, it was just great to see the fans root for a man who had upset the American hero. I can't think of too many countries where an outsider would get such support from the fans. Granted, it's easier to do so in an individual sport as compared to a team sport. Still, it was a great sight to see.

Everytime an Indian plays in a major tournament, I dream about one of them winning it all. It always seems like it would be impossible for one of our golfers to win against such greats from all over the world. But, Y.E. Yang just did it. When will it be our turn to celebrate? I really can't wait for that day.