Delaney: Barrett a sight for sore eyes

I didn't watch much of The Open Championship from Scotland on Sunday. Once Tom Watson's shot on 18 went over the green, I knew it was going to end up in a playoff. And right there, the momentum went to Stewart Cink.

Perhaps contrary to what some think, sports reporters don't want the athletes we cover to have a bad time. At least, most of the sports reporters I know feel that way. It's hard to watch when an athlete struggles in a big moment. That's part of the game, part of life really, but it's not easy.

One of the reasons I had to tear myself away from watching golf Sunday afternoon was so I could go watch golf - in person at the Greater Utica City Amateur Tournament. There, I saw the opposite of Tom Watson.

Shane Barrett won his third title in four years with a 20-foot chip in for birdie from the fringe of the 18th hole. With his parents among the crowd gathered near the green, Barrett then did the deepest and most emphatic fist pump I've ever seen. Better than Tiger.

It's rare for me to see athlete celebrate with Barrett's relief and enthusiasm. I couldn't help but think of Tom Watson and his disappointment. Then I looked for Barrett, and there he was - at the edge of the green smiling in a Tiger-red golf shirt, unshaven and long hair sticking out of his cap.

It was an easier sight to see.