If you really love the game, then this is the best possible story line that we could have. It is better to have Tiger around for the weekend, but Watson winning would be MUCH more memorable.
Only in the British Open...Norman last year and now Watson. Links golf is one of the few sports where cunning and guile can trump a person being in the prime of their life and in peak condition. I hope Watson's magic lasts for one more day.
He does keep himself in good shape, though, and hits it about 290, so he really does have a chance. Another thing in his favor is that while his body is old, his imagination for creating shots on this kind of course is still young.
I think he will continue to hit the ball well tomorrow, and the putter will decide whether or not he pulls off the most stunning upset since Nicklaus' last Masters.
With the talent that is lurking behind Watson, it is going to take the round of his life to pull this off. It would be one of the all time greatest wins in golf if he is able to win. Likely though, you will see one of the guys a couple behind grab this, Furyk, Goosen, even Fisher. Go Watson though! I know I will be tuned in trying to will him to a victory.
Yahoo put up an interesting story the other day. I don't remember the specifics, but it said the British Open rules state that no one 60 years old, or over, can win the tournament. They were saying if Tom Watson wins this year, will his exemption for next year be revoked because of the rule?
My Dad was a head golf pro at a club for 20 years, and a rules official for the PGA Championship for 7 years. Golf is my sport, so this kind of tournament is definitely exciting for me.
http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/devil_ball_golf/post/Would-the-R-amp-…
Bottom line: He's in for next year at age 60. After that, it would seem he'd be out of luck.
Howeva, if you look at the R&A's actual exemption list -- http://www.opengolf.com/ChampionshipGolf/TheOpenChampionship/Players/Ex… -- (and extrapolate it to 2011), one would have to assume he'd be in with a win via 4, or even 2.
Also, what is the point of having both 2 and 3? Exemption 2 allows champions born from 1943-1948 in and exemption 3 allows only those 60 and under. Why not just say 65 and call it good? Am I missing something?
All that said, Tom Watson is a G and I'll be rooting hard for him.
I originally wondered if you were your father. He was at Forest Lake CC and past President of the Michigan PGA. I knew him a little, as I am from that area and we crossed paths as I was young and getting into the business. Is he still in the golf business?
Yea, that's my dad. Where did you know him from? He actually got a litlle burnt out from the business (as you could imagine). He works for an apparel line now.
I think he wants to get back in now though. He took his break, and is re-energized. Golf is his passion.
I think that if it stays windy it is an advantage for Tom.
Wow Ross Fisher is choking big time. Hopefully Watson can just hold it together and make a putt or two!
It would be one of the all time greatest wins in golf if he is able to win.
what do you mean "if" he is able to win? The tourney ended 7 days ago.