Mark_Concannon's Blog

I rooted for Rocco Mediate Monday. I'm not anti-Tiger. But he's won 14 majors and will win a bunch more. Mediate is 45, a lifelong tour grinder. This was clearly his last hurrah. Rocco didn't prevail yesterday and will spend the rest of his life mentally replaying the missed putt at 18 that would have defeated golf's best player. But in displaying his class and considerable sense of humor on the sport's biggest stage, Mediate has set himself up nicely for years to come.

First of all, he won enough money to secure his playing privileges for next season. He also clinched spots in the 2009 U.S. Open and Masters. And his valiant effort earned him legions of new fans which may reap him the biggest rewards. Rocco is approaching that awkward age where his skills will no longer make him competitive on the Big Tour while he is still too young to play on the Seniors Tour. But what tournament wouldn't give him a sponsor's exemption now? This is known as "the good guy" exemption(Madison's Steve Stricker was granted those during his down years) But where Rocco could really clean up will be far away from the glare of network cameras and the public eye. Major companies pay big money for certain pros to play in their corporate outings on Mondays. After yesterday, Rocco will be getting calls. There is no pressure; the pros will generally play one hole with each group that also shelled out major coin to enter the event. Rocco will have to make some small talk(which should be no problem for him) help the amateurs line up a few putts, pose for a happy picture and collect a substantial check.

I have interviewed Rocco at a couple of tour stops and he is a genuinely good person. It was great to see him in the spotlight. It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy.