Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament yesterday in Augusta, GA—and if I left it there, and you aren’t a fan of golf, you would be so misled. There is so much more to, “Rory McIlroy won the Masters yesterday,” that makes the story that much more exciting as well as meaningful to us, even if you don’t know who Rory is.

This was McIlroy’s 17th attempt to win the Masters. He came close before, but there is no trophy (or jacket) for coming close. He has also had the added pressure of trying to win golf’s most coveted Grand Slam, of which he had won 3 of 4 tournaments by 2014, only the Masters remained—until yesterday. And yesterday wasn’t a slam dunk either! McIlroy said after the tournament, “I didn’t make it easy today,” The whole day ebbed and flowed, but he went to the 18th hole with a one shot lead. He wound up missing a 5-foot putt for 1-over 73 and the first Masters playoff in eight years. Fortunately for him, he was able to seal the win on the next hole when Justin Rose missed his putt. Unbelievably exciting Masters!

At the trophy presentation, McIlroy said, “My dreams have been made today!” And then moments later, he turned to his daughter and said, “Never give up on your dreams. Never, ever give up on your dreams.” McIlroy has been dreaming of winning the Masters for probably 25 years, maybe longer. What’s your dream? Dreams don’t just happen—we have to dream them first, then take action to make them happen. Some people don’t even dream! It’s true. So if you haven’t thought about your dream recently, I encourage you to do so! I will, too. Here is the truth: We can’t live the dream if we’ve never dreamed the dream!

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth Fitzgerald