Tom Watson, All American

When I was in training at Ft. George G. Meade, Md. back in the summer of 2002, the post golf course hosted a pretty neat Morale, Wellfare and Recreation event, inviting Tom Watson to come give an hour-long clinic to troops and their families.

I'm not the biggest golf fan, but thought it would be a cool event to check out. So after class that day I headed over for the clinic. During the event, Watson ran through a repetoire of trick shots and clubhouse tales. At around 5 PM--in the middle of the presentation-- a bugle playing retreat began blaring over the loudspeakers and all those in uniform turned towards the direction of the sound.

For a few moments, Watson kept talking until it was apparent that he was missing something. When he caught on, he doffed his cap until the music ended. He put his hat back on and looked down swinging his club with one hand. He then looked up and said, "It's because of you all that I get to play a game for a living. Don't ever think I fail to appreciate that," and then proceeded to finish the clinic.

I'm a sucker for stuff like that, and that's why I'm rooting my ass off for Tom Watson today.