THIS IS NO LONGER “a nice story.” This old fella Tom Watson is angling for a sixth Claret Jug, which would tie him with the legendary Harry Vardon for most British Open titles. Are you kidding me?
If Watson holds it together and wins on Sunday, 59-year-olds all over the Third Planet will feel a tiny bit invincible on Monday.
As for me, I’m in golf shock. I still don’t think my mind has fully comprehended what my senses are telling me: Tom Watson, winner of the 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1983 British Opens, is leading the 2009 British Open after 54 holes. Are we in some kind of weird golf time warp?
Tiger Woods misses a cut in a major. Tom Watson is leading at Turnberry. Still. On Saturday night. I’m wondering how much more shock my golf senses can take.
My dad even called from California this morning. “Neil,” he said, “I was just sitting here watching the British Open and I had to call someone to talk about it. What do you think about Tom Watson?” I said all the obvious things. He has a lot of experience. He knows how to play links golf. He makes good decisions. Blah, blah, blah. I heard my words, but I still couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Jack Nicklaus made some serious noise at the 1998 Masters, finishing in a sixth-place tie at the age of 58. Sam Snead tied for third in the 1974 PGA Championship at the ripe old age of 62. But this, golf fans, is uncharted waters.
By the way, does anybody know what happened to that young whippersnapper from last year … Greg Norman?
−The Armchair Golfer
I wrote twice saying something special was going to happen this weekend in Scotland.
Never in my wildest dreams and ample imagination could I have envisioned Tiger missing the cut and Huckleberry Dillinger leading The Open going into Sunday.
I liked Watson 25-30 years ago as I like Tiger these days. I am rooting for Tom Terrific…
Great post, but,like you, I have no comments worthy of note. He is doing the seemingly impossible and I really don't know what to make of it. I still don't think he'll win but I wouldn't have picked him to be in the position he's now in either.
Tom Watson leading the British Open–this is one of the many reasons I love golf. Anything can happen. Truly anything.
Never count anyone out and never count anyone in.
Fantasy golf teams all over the world have gone haywire.
Hi Armchair, The old fella still got it, (something) I like the fact that Tom is getting the attention here. We forget the older guys with all these young hitters like my man (ADAM SCOTT, kiss, kiss) Tom im with you here.
brillant watched the open for the last 4 days not worried about tiger woods going home,we had watson that was a super human effort ,golf is not about hitting a driver 350 yard its about touch and feel and my heart is broken after seeing Sink win the open big up to kansas my new hero tomtom waston………….