It seems most of the time we read about bad decisions in sports. From college football (think LeGarrette Blount and Jeremiah Masoli) to the NFL (think Ben Roethlisberger) to golf (think Tiger Woods), we read about people who most would think have everything going for them, yet they make decisions that just leave you shaking your head in complete disbelief.
The disbelief is one of how stupid they can be and what poor character they can have.
Along comes Grant Whybark, a collegiate golfer, competing for a place in the NAIA National Championship. Grant had already won a spot in the National Championship. Everything was set, other than the last hole. No one else could have won a place in the National Championship, other than Seth Doran. Seth would have to win the last hole in order to make the cut.
Grant talked to his team, and they all agreed that it would be a good thing to give Seth the opportunity to make the cut. Grant purposefully made a double bogey. Seth made the cut.
Although there is some controversy over his decision, it seems refreshing for someone to think decisions through and then make it with good intent. The thinking included talking to his team before making the decision and ensuring no one would be harmed by his action. The good intent was that he knew the competitor and respected his play; Grant wanted to guarantee that he would not prevent Seth from competing in the NAIA National Championship.
To me, Grant represents good decision-making. Yes, sports are competitive, but to what degree. We have read stories in the past of teams running the score up beyond reason, just to be competitive. Grant’s intent was good and well thought out.
Whatever the result in the NAIA National Championship, Grant and his team have set a good example.
Grant Whybark: Good Decision