Never Too Late

What We Can Learn from McIlroy’s Masters Win

By Meghan Ryan Asbury

To be honest, I didn’t know much about golf until I started dating my husband. He, like a lot of men, is obsessed. But I took an interest in learning more (watching Full Swing on Netflix helped!), and this year, even while my husband was out of town, I found myself watching The Masters alone.

A few years into my newfound interest in golf, I have much more knowledge of the players. I’ve fallen in love with the whole Masters experience and all its traditions. One day, I hope to attend in person! And, like many watching, I was cheering Rory McIlroy on to win his first green jacket and Grand Slam this year.

For those who don’t follow golf, here’s what you need to know: Rory is considered one of the best professional golfers, but had never won at The Masters. He won all three other majors (the four PGA tournaments played each year: The Masters, The PGA Championship, The US Open, and The British Open). If a golfer wins all four, they achieve the “Grand Slam.” Only five others have done it: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

The last time Rory won a major was eleven years ago, when he was twenty-four years old. Since then, many newer players have risen to the top of their game. Commentators and sports writers talked nonstop about whether Rory would make a comeback.

So, on Sunday afternoon of Masters weekend, when my husband returned to town, we had an early dinner reservation and kept the feed pulled up on his phone. (In no other context would I actively choose to do this at a restaurant. But how could we turn it off? They were making history!) We felt the weight and anxiety when Rory and Justin Rose went into the playoff round and all but jumped out of our chairs when Rory’s last putt went in. I started crying.

I can’t help but think about the weight of winning this tournament for Rory. He has spent over a decade working toward this. Several times, he came really close.

Was he wondering if his best days as a golfer were over?

Was he afraid he had missed his chance?

Was he worried about messing it up?

Did he feel like he was behind?

That weekend, the entire world was rooting for him to win. With each round and hole he played, everyone cheered on his good shots and winced at his bad ones. Emotions rose and fell together. Collectively, we all wanted this victory for him.

And I can only imagine the emotions he felt when that last putt dropped in and the weight of those questions fell off his shoulders. He finally did it! Golf fans will forever remember when Rory McIlroy joined the roster of Grand Slam winners as one of the greatest golfers ever.

After rewatching the win on social media the next morning, I posted this:

“I know we all cried.

But here’s proof that you’re not behind.

Your best days aren’t in the past.

You didn’t peak at 24.

It doesn’t matter if everyone younger than you seems to be crushing it.

You’re not too late.

You can be hopeful for what’s ahead.

And look how much sweeter it is when you finally get your turn.”

I can’t help but wonder: If Rory had won sooner, would it have been this good?

Would everyone have rooted for him?

Would people have watched so closely?

Would it have proved something more to the world because he was younger?

Or is the timeline of this all what makes it that much better?

The whole world wanted this for him. We held our breath at each hole and rode the roller coaster of emotions with him. We wanted him to prove to himself—and us—that it’s still possible for our hopes and dreams to come true.

There have been (and still are) things in life I desperately longed and prayed for, and waiting is the hardest part. It’s easy to doubt and distrust that things will ever change. It’s hard to keep hoping when we keep getting disappointed over and over again. But when God finally answers those prayers, it’s always in ways even better than I ever imagined. When a breakthrough happens and dreams come true, all the years of hard work, patience, and waiting are worth it. God’s faithfulness has blown me away every time. Whether it was finally getting married after being the last single friend, getting a huge career opportunity, or getting a clear doctor’s report, it was much sweeter after all the waiting. I don’t think it would have been the same if it had happened how and when I wanted. I would have missed so much—not just me, but the people who love me. Those who prayed and waited with me cheered loudly when it was finally my turn.

The same is true for you, friend. Because if anything, Rory finally winning the Masters reminds us that anything is possible if we have faith. And together, we can celebrate that.

— V —

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Meghan Ryan Asbury is an author and speaker who is passionate about helping people discover and live out their God-given callings. She has worked in international ministries as well as with Proverbs 31 Ministries. When she’s not surrounded by friends, you can usually find her reading a book or enjoying the great outdoors. A 30-A beach girl, born and raised, she and her husband now reside in Nashville. Her first book, You Are Not Behind: Building a Life You Love Without Having Everything You Want, is available wherever books are sold. You can connect with her on Instagram @meghanryanasbury and at AlwaysMeghan.com.