Winning Isn't Everything

The Golf Foundation’s ‘Skills for Life’ initiative encourages sportsmanship and good golfing values

- Nick Bonfield

The 2017 Masters Tournament will long be remembered for Sergio Garcia’s first Major victory, but just as important was the spirit of sportsmanship shown by Justin Rose as his friend and Ryder Cup colleague denied him a first Green Jacket. Rose dealt with disappointment admirably and helped extol the values of golf to a wide audience at a time when participation levels are somewhat concerning.

Golf has always placed the highest value on etiquette, sportsmanship and respect for others. In the 1969 Ryder Cup, Jack Nicklaus, having holed his own little tester, conceded Tony Jacklin’s missable three-footer after a close match when a miss would have meant overall defeat for GB. “I don’t think you would have missed it, but given the circumstances, I didn’t want to give you the chance,” Nicklaus said. 

The American showed outstanding sportsmanship again eight years later in Turnberry’s famous ‘Duel in the Sun’, when he went head-to-head with Tom Watson in an epic battle. After Watson tapped in for the win on the 72nd hole, Nicklaus smiled, threw his arms round his friend’s shoulders and walked him to the scorer’s tent.

Golf, more than any sport, helps create life skills, and that is the message the Golf Foundation is championing with its latest initiative– the recently launched Skills for Life awards, supported by Golf Monthly and the 80-20 Charitable Trust, which was inspired, in part, by momentous occasions such as those highlighted.