Integrity. Is It The Way Or Is IT Standing In The Way?

​It was the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament. Justin Thomas was leading. Unfamiliar territory. For nearly three years, after every tournament, Thomas was asked:

Will you ever win again?

During that third round, Thomas bent down to move some debris from around his golf ball. In doing so, the ball moved—just the slightest bit. Chances are, no one but him would have ever known.

But Thomas knew.

So, he called tournament officials over and reported the incident. Per the rules of golf, this resulted in a one-shot penalty.

Fast forward to Sunday. After 72 holes, Thomas ended up in a tie for the lead, forcing a playoff.

I found myself wondering, did Thomas think about that penalty? Did he regret reporting it, knowing that without it he might already be holding the trophy? No more “will you ever win again?”

Then, he sank a 21-foot putt on the first playoff hole to win.

Something about that felt right.

But let’s be honest, you’ve lived long enough to know integrity doesn’t always "win." Not by worldly definitions, anyway.

God doesn’t always reward doing the right thing with victory. At least not on the outside.

John Wooden once said, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are.”

It can be tempting sometimes, I think, to chase reputation. To chase power and fame and control. To chase an ending to the idea that your best golf days are behind you, and chances are you will never be known as a golf champion again.

For some the trophies mean everything. Win at all cost. 
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But there are some people who’ve decided a clean conscience makes for a better night’s sleep than a full trophy case. Some people can’t pretend they didn’t see the ball move.

No matter the cost.

We all have to decide.

Is integrity the way or is it what stands in the way?

I admire Justin Thomas. Because had he lost that tournament by one stroke, there's no doubt in my mind he would have gladly accepted the question - "will you ever win again" - knowing that he didn't sacrifice his integrity to avoid the question.

Chances are, you’ll have to choose a way today.

There are always two paths.

And the choice is always ours.