Will MacKenzie's tee-shots don't always find the fairways.  His approach shots aren't always darts that find the greens.  His putts sometimes don't find the bottom of the cup.  But one thing the Greenville native isn't short on is personality.

The Golf Channel fell in love with MacKenzie when he made his run for the Reno-Tahoe Open title 2 years ago.   The reporters and commentators gravitated toward his genuine, down to earth nature.   What made his story even more interesting was that he gave up the game for 10 years, moved to Wyoming, then Alaska, then Montana, lived in a van, snowboarded, kayaked, climbed rocks, became a river guide... basically becoming a living character from a Jack London novel.    

MacKenzie returned home in 1999, flopped as a hammock salesman, then turned pro after being inspired by Payne Stewart's US Open win.  MacKenzie started yet another journey.  We watched as MacKenzie had good days and bad.  He won 3 Hooters Tour events in 2004 including a win in Greenville. 

After his Reno-Tahoe win, MacKenzie took off in the media.  Each station or magazine intrigued by his fresh face and story.  Will brought a refreshing swagger to a sport that had been dulled by an abundance of ordinary characters.  ESPN-The Magazine featured Will's story titling it "The Legend of Willie Mac". (Great read by the way!)

It looked as though we might not get to experience the "Legend" after MacKenzie went into a late season slump that carried over into this year.  He missed 9 of 12 cuts.  He finally had knee surgery that shelved him for 8 weeks before making his return.

So here he was this past weekend.  Leading the John Deere Classic on CBS through 14 holes on the tournament's final day.    CBS couldn't get enough of him.  They showed him snowboarding.  They showed him surfing.  They told his story.  The commentators openly rooted for his shots to fall.  They winced when he found the trees on 17, ending his run for the title. 

A 4th place finish would have to be good enough for fans who have picked up the cheers for Willie Mack.  They don't cheer for him because they think he'll be the next Kenny Perry or Phil Mickelson or even Tiger Woods.  They cheer for him because he's not.   He's just the personality and character the golf world needs!