I’m not one to spend time in front of a TV screen; in fact, the last time I witnessed a golf match on the tube it involved players like Johnny Miller and Arnold Palmer. I’ve just never understood sitting and watching when I could instead spend the same amount of time doing.

Nonetheless, I was one of the (perhaps) hundreds of millions of people who spent part of their Sunday and/or Monday watching El Tigre’ and the man from Greensburg, PA slug it out for the right to be called “Champion of the United States” in the sport of golf.

This truly is the one champion event, as it is the only event that is truly “open” to all contestants. Heck, if the guy next door gets on an appropriate hot streak, he can win his way into this event. And, if he stays hot, he can win the Open itself.

Never happens … but it’s possible.

What is possible, but also highly unlikely, is the #158 rated player in the golf world ending up in a tie with the top rated player after seventy-two holes of play. Of course, these were, and respectively, the rankings of Mssrs. Rocco Mediate and Tiger Woods.

Think his dad wasn’t at least a little competitive?

They say that this world divides into three “types” … those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.    To me, at least, television is for those who live in the middle third … that is, they choose to be life’s observers, and not those who would initiate action. In some ways, I feel sorry for these folk; for they are missing a chance to truly laugh at life as they live it. But on the other hand, I am grateful for them, because they sometimes make excellent employees for those in the first group.

But this past weekend, I decided to become a “watcher” … and I can see how easy it might be to become a permanent part of this group, for I was absolutely mesmerized by the drama that played out on my home screen. (And I was also amazed by how far televised golf had come … especially the camera angles and the magnificent details brought on by hi-def.)

But beyond great vistas were the participants themselves. Woods, of course, was the New York Yankees, New England Patriots, and Detroit Red Wings while Rocco was the Everyman … complete with ill-fitting clothes probably to hide the Dunlap’s Disease and a rococo peace sign (haven’t seen one of these since college!) as his belt buckle.

Tiger would out-drive and out-putt Rocco, but Rocco would somehow come up with at least one spectacular shot to stay in contention. Tiger had the picture-perfect swing while Rocco seemed to toe everything out to the right and yet still scramble to make par.

For eighteen dramatic holes this went on during Monday’s playoff round, after which the issue was still in doubt. Then, on the iconic nineteenth hole, Tiger applied the deathblow … three straight spectacular shots and one mid-range putt while Rocco finally succumbed to his age and his place in the golf ratings pantheon.

Game. Set. Match.

But in losing, I believe that Rocco actually won. I say this because his demeanor and attitude during and after the playoff was that of a man who truly was “just glad to be there”, and, while ‘there,’ a man who played his tail off to not only stay in contention, but to almost win (twice!).  When interviewed after the match, he didn’t whine or make excuses … instead, he talked about how he “gave it his all” (he did), and, how he “didn’t let Tiger’s legendary status intimidate him” (he didn’t).

He was dogged. He was determined. He was the Everyman.

And America just loves the Everyman.

If I’m Rocco’s agent, today I’m talking to Avis (at least) and Apple (though they probably now think they are the industry leader), and every other Number Two both in this country and on this planet.

And while I’m at it, I would be scheduling Rocco for every motivational speaking opportunity I could find ($25K and up, of course). For if Rocco isn’t inspirational, then just who IS?

Had he cried and whined, this (opportunity) would have all faded away like yesterday’s democratic presidential candidates (quick … name TWO!). But by remaining positive and by simply being himself (how about him saying, “I just can’t believe that I’m even competing to win the U.S. Open … who would have possibly believed THAT a week ago”) he won a place in the hearts of all people, everywhere.

As Steve Winwood once sang, “When you see a chance, take it” … never forget that there is nothing at all wrong with trying. Because when you give it your all, leaving nothing behind in the locker room, people will notice.  You, in turn, will become stronger and better for it.

And may this always be the case.