Phil Mickelson, at almost 51 years old, won the 2021 PGA Championship at The Ocean Course on Kiawah Island.

“I hope others can see what is possible” was part of one of his 1st comments after completing his round. He is the oldest player in history to win a professional major golf championship.

It was 4 years ago during a rain delay at the Wells Fargo Championship, Bob Estes said to me, “In my opinion, 68-70 year olds could be playing the PGA Tour if they train their bodies appropriately.”

Mickelson’s led or was around the lead from the early stages of the event. It was the final round that was the most exciting.

Brooks Koepka, who has proven to be the most dominant player in the majors over the last 4 years, and Mickelson were ready. Koepka got everyone’s attention by making a birdie on the 1st hole while Mickelson made bogey.

A 2-shot swing put Koepka on top of the leaderboard after the 1st hole. Game on.

This was truly an American storybook ending and it took place right here in South Carolina. It was compared during the telecast to “The Legend of Bagger Vance” because part of the movie was filmed here on our South Carolina coast.

What punctuated Mickelson’s amazing triumph over golf’s most recent “Major Giant” is his humility in the awards ceremony. He was seemingly completely humbled by his own achievement.

So the lesson assignment for today is to ponder the idea of how to build selfconfidence and trust while remaining completely humble. If you need a direct link to the interview of Mickelson, email me.

There is a lot to report in Midlands golf. The SC High School League boys state final were contested this past week. In Class 5A, Lexington placed 4th and Chapin placed 6th.

Maverick Mullinax from Lexington earned all-state individual honors.

In Class 4A, AC Flora won the championship while individuals Adam Hunt and Luke Sullivan earned all-state honors.

In Class 3A, Mid-Carolina placed 8th and Luke Hammond earned all-state honors. In Class 2A Christ Church won the state championship with almost the entire team earning individual all-state honors. William Jennings, Jack Wofford , Walker Jennings, and Jack Roberts made All-State.

There is much to do in for some a very short summer. No doubt it will be the fastest in modern history so get your planning calendar out. Why? So you can get more golf done with less time!

Time is more valuable than most think and it’s the number one fundamental principle addressed in the new Recreation Family Junior Program offered through Lexington County and Richland County Parks.

Family time together is the new “Learn Through Play” curriculum’s theme. The first 4 weeks are focused on Conceptual/Technical Principles with the last 2 weeks being in the course.

Here are websites to learn more: http://richlandcountyrecreation.com/fall-golf-programs-at-linrick-golf-course/ , icrc.net, https://sports.bluesombrero.com/lcrac .