Freddy, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Posted by doug

October 27, 2009

fred couples Freddy, Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night

Fred Couples has always been an interesting case study for me. In my opinion, one of the most talented and gifted players to ever play the game.

However, that doesn’t mean he was the winningest – far from it. He has amassed 15 tour victories, including 2 Players Championships and, of course, the 1992 victory at the Masters.

His overall record in the majors has been so-so with a tie for second in the 98 Masters, 2nd in the ’90 PGA and 5 or so 3rds among the highlights.

He is something like 18th or so in career earnings on the PGA with $21,319, 451 earned. That “coupled” (nice, huh!) with his millions in endorsements makes Freddy a fairly wealthy man.

However, he has had his share of personal tragedy as well. He divorced his first wife Deborah in 1992 (the year he won the Masters) and whom later committed suicide in 2001. His second wife Thais, whom he was estranged from, died this year (2009) of breast cancer.

But I can’t help but think how good Freddy could have been. Maybe his talent proved too much of an albatross for him. People that gifted often have a hard time seeing and believing for themselves that they are THAT talented or even how to harness it.

I mean this guy (on paper) *should* have been one of the greatest to have played the game. Was it that he didn’t practice enough? Was he too injury prone with his legendary back problems? No fire in the belly?

I’m not sure, I’m not sure he does either. In the end the record is what it is. I do think it was not driven by a lack of desire which is a label often associated with him. But I don’t really buy that. Desire is not something one has and others do not. It can be created. And the more you win the more yo can create “more” desire.

Funny, he often reminds me of one of my favorite boyhood baseball players and another Fred – Fred Lynn. Who played for the Red Sox when I was in High School back in the 70′s. That guy was incredible to watch. Just like Freddy he was “silky smooth” and just oozed talent – winning Rookie of the Year AND AL MVP in 1975!

The guy was certainly no shlub. He batted .283 for his career, hit over 300 home runs, over 1000 RBI’s – but he easily could have been one of the best ever but injuries plagued him throughout his career and he sort of faded into the sunset. Perhaps being that talented comes with a certain curse too.

Freddy turned 50 this year so the doors to the Champions Tour have now been opened. I have not heard a thing about playing on that tour or what his plans are for 2010.

I’m not mindreader so I really have no idea how Fred has assessed his career so far. But 50 is pretty young (just ask Mr. Watson) so here’s hoping Freddy will dig deep and surprise the heck out of us in 2010.

A guy that talented and gifted should not go gentle into the good night.