King Tom’s Open reign ends at St Andrews
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Tom Watson’s glittering Open Championship career came to an emotional end at the Home of Golf just before 10pm.
The five-times champion is forever famed for his Duel in the Sun triumph over Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry. But at St Andrews tonight it was more like Scuffle in the Dark…
Watson finished on +12 and missed the cut by a mile. But who cares? He’s done his bit – and more – and his past heroic Open performances will be forever remembered and cherished.
He will be remembered too for being one of the most popular Open champions of all-time and that was reflected in the amazing send-off – considering the unearthly late hour – he received. There was barely a dry eye in the place and thousands stayed on to salute their longtime hero.
Unfortunately, on the 18th, Watson finished with a bogey but, once again, who cares?
The word legend in sport is often over-used but not in Watson’s case. A true legend, a true Open legend.
Playing partner Ernie Els summed it all up, saying: “He’s a hero of mine and it was a privilege to be there and play alongside him in his final round.
“It was only right and proper that he should bow out this way, like the true champion he is, as opposed to coming back to play a couple of holes at 6.30am tomorrow. That wouldn’t have been right.”
Said Watson: “It’s all joy, there’s no reason to be sad and I fully appreciate the R&A giving me a special exemption to play.
“I do feel very thankful, this place is special and will always be the golf course people think about when they think of links golf.
“It’s been a very special time in my life. I am 65-years-old and it has been a great run since 1975. There are moments and memories that will be remembered forever.”
