The legendary Tom Watson, winner of five Open Championships, revealed he cried “like a baby” down the 18th hole at St Andrews in 2005 while accompanying Jack Nicklaus in his farewell round, and said it would be an honour to end his Open career at the Home of Golf next year.
The 64-year-old American, winner of eight majors who almost claimed a sixth Open title as a 59-year-old in Turnberry in 2009, was recently granted extension to play the Open for another two years by the R&A, including the 2015 championship at St Andrews.
“When Peter Dawson (R&A chief ) said that ‘we would try to help you out for getting a final exemption there’, I had visions of playing the last practice round with Arnie when he finished his career at St Andrews," said Watson.
“I had real strong feelings about when I crossed the bridge with Jack Nicklaus in his final round. I’m just a copy cat, I guess.
“I’m very grateful for the R&A. St Andrews, as Sandy Tatum would put it, is the Sistine Chapel of Golf, from a historical perspective.
“When I first played St Andrews, I didn’t like it. But I’ve grown to love the golf course. To end my Open career there means a great deal.”
As for tears, Watson said there were plenty when he played the final round of Nicklaus’ Open career with him at St Andrews.
“I was crying like a baby,” Watson reminisced. “Off the tee, I started bawling. Here’s the greatest player in the game. He’s finishing his career, and he meant a great deal to me. It was a special time.”