When no one sees …

Tom Watson is an enduring name in the world of professional golf.

In the 1970’s and ’80’s, Watson was one of the leading players in the world, winning eight major championships. He was considered the number one player in the world according to McCormack’s World Golf Rankings from 1978 to 1982. And, sporting an artificial hip at the age of 60, some 26 years after his last major championship victory, he led much of the 2009 Open Championship before eventually losing in a four-hole playoff.

But one of the most memorable aspects of this legendary player goes back to the first tournament he ever played in.

Watson was making a run for the lead. His game was on! Then, when preparing for a putt, he laid his putter down behind the ball.

Too close to the ball.

The ball moved!

No one noticed. None of the players or officials or fans saw the ball move. If he told anyone, a stroke would be added to his play of the hole, and it could be the difference in winning or losing. He could continue playing and no one would know.

But he would know, he thought to himself.

With little hesitation, Watson approached one of the officials and said, “I moved my ball.”

A stroke was added and Watson lost that hole.

But he rallied and came back to win the tournament.

Watson’s biggest win that day wasn’t taking the trophy for the tournament. It was keeping his integrity in tact.

When you blow it, but no one sees, what do you do?

The answer to that question is part of the measure of your integrity.

Scotty