On the court where the Celtics play, the Golden State Warriors celebrated their NBA title on Thursday. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Red Sox 4-3 earlier on Thursday.
A 36-year-old father of two who was more than ten years removed from his last significant achievement was what a town that rides the emotional success or failure of its sports teams needed to alter the tide.
Although Keegan Bradley lost the 122nd U.S. Open on Saturday, climbing the 18th hole of The Country Club reminded him of Game 7 at The Garden.
Bradley's third-round score of 69 was a much-needed and enthusiastic diversion from an otherwise dreadful week for the people of Boston. This wasn't Fenway or Foxboro.
"That stroll up 18 was the most confident I've ever been throughout a competition. Bradley remarked, "That was pretty cool. I thought, "Let's try to enjoy this walk up 18 today since it's been a hard-fought day," after hitting a terrific shot there.
Bradley only has two more PGA Tour victories since taking home the 2011 PGA Championship, three years after turning professional.
Bradley made the New England U.S. Open his top objective the moment the USGA announced its return to Brookline; he wasn't even qualified for it until early last month.
He entered the U.S. Open field and the top 50 in the world rankings due to his second-place finish at the Wells Fargo Championship.
"Nobody in my family was discussing it. It seemed weird to me. Then everyone started texting, thrilled to attend, and let's buy some tickets as soon as I qualified," he added.
The first pitch at Fenway Park on Tuesday was thrown by Bradley, who is Boston like beer and baked beans. He has won World Series championships with the Red Sox and NFL championships with the Patriots.
He has clapped for everyone from David Ortiz to Tom Brady and for a brief period on a Saturday at a major tournament, and he could feel that enthusiasm aimed at him.
Currently tied for fourth place at two under par and two strokes off the lead, remarked, "It was one of the most fantastic experiences of my entire life." "I got to experience what it's like to play in Fenway Park, Madison Square Garden, and Gillette Stadium. There, I had a player's sense of Boston.
"I appreciate the support from the fans, and I want to have them cheer again tomorrow. That was a moment I'll never forget for the rest of my life."
There was a lot to learn on this very challenging course, but he wouldn't let that ruin this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Bradley last visited The Country Club at the 1999 Ryder Cup, when he was a wide-eyed 13-year-old running around the course to catch a glimpse of the finest players from both sides of the Atlantic.
The Bradleys were present on that electrifying Sunday as the Americans rallied for one of the most unlikely comebacks in Cup history, led by captain Ben Crenshaw.
"Everyone raced out onto the green, and I pleaded with my father to let me do the same. Bradley remembered, "I was a young child. "Out here, there's a twisted tree. Okay, I'm going to stand next to this crooked tree, and you walk outside and come straight back, my father said.
Along the 18th fairway, that same tree is still present. When Bradley gets to the 72nd hole on Sunday, it will be there waiting for him. No matter what happens or where Bradley finishes on the scoreboard, it will serve as a poignant reminder of how much to Bradley this championship means.
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