Every moment holds a lesson

• If you were lucky enough to watch Tiger Woods play when he was a youngster, you may have realized how good he was at such a young age. Or you may have just taken it for granted. I’m not talking about when Tiger was three and was on the Johnny Carson show. I’m talking about his U.S. Amateur days and when he destroyed Augusta National 17 years ago. That’s when he became the youngest man to win the Masters, a title he still holds. This time yesterday, heck, less than 18 hours ago, it seemed that moniker would pass to Jordan Spieth, who, at 20, threatened to take the crown. But winning a golf tournament, a major golf tournament with all it implies, is more about how mentally tough you are not how physically gifted. Each player who competes in the Masters is good, masters of their sport if you will forgive the obvious connection. But winning it is hard, especially for a 20-year-old. As special as he was, Woods didn’t rip through Augusta National the first time he played there. Or the second. But Spieth (pictured) had that opportunity yesterday and seemed to have grabbed it when he led by two strokes after seven holes on Sunday. His ball striking was solid, his putting superb. His decision-making had only faltered once or twice. But bad breaks are part of golf and when Spieth was given one on the eighth hole, he didn’t handle it well . A chip he hit right where he wanted didn’t go right where he wanted. He was, by his admission, surprised. And it cost him. There’s a reason why an athlete somewhere came up with the term “it is what it is.” You can’t change the past, only the future. And Spieth’s reaction to the wayward chip changed his future – and not in a good way. He lost focus for just a few minutes. But that lost focus led to two bogeys. Bubba Watson countered with two birdies and now the lefty from Florida held the two-shot lead. Watson wasn’t going to give it up. For once, the back nine on Sunday at Augusta held little drama. No one near the lead could make birdies. And Watson just played solid . He stepped to the 18th green knowing he could three putt, heck even four putt, and still win. He took just two before he started crying. Spieth? He stepped to the 18th green having learned a huge lesson. Like Italian driving, in golf (as in all sports), what’s behind you doesn’t matter. Only what’s in front of you. Directly in front of you. This shot, this putt, this whatever. You can’t change what’s behind. But it can change what’s ahead – if you let it. Spieth let it. Only for a couple of minutes. And that changed everything.

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• WSU: Jacob Thorpe held a live chat yesterday and I’ll link it . However, the text contained within the chat, the questions and answers, have disappeared on my computer. I’m not sure if it’s a Vince thing or everyone will have the same problem. Too bad. It may just have been the best live chat of all time.

• Gonzaga: The Zags and Santa Clara played another close game Sunday, with GU winning and taking the series 2-1. … It must really be nice to have options .

• Seahawks: Speaking of young men, the 49ers’ Aldon Smith is in trouble with the law. Again . As best as I can count, this is strike three for the pass rusher. Usually that means you’re out. We’ll see if the 49ers feel that way . After all the talking Jim Harbaugh did last offseason about the Seahawks ‘ troubles, this has the scent of karma to me.

• Mariners: No karma here, and not hitting either. Since the M’s started the season pounding the Angels, the bats have gone almost silent . The A’s pitching staff had their number again Sunday in a 3-0 Oakland victory. We knew there were holes in the lineup when the season started but this is troubling . To me, anyway. Lloyd McClendon doesn’t see it as a problem . … Replay has been in the news since its inception this season. And not all the news is good. McClendon isn’t sure it’s the right thing to do . … Local product Jeremy Affeldt is about ready to return to the mound for the Giants.

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• Another work week begins. What’s that like? Sorry, that was mean. Have a good one. Until later …