Posted on 07/18/2009 3:00:32 PM PDT by pissant
The third round of the British Open is in the books, and somehow, Tom Watson is still on top at the famed Ailsa course at Turnberry. The 59-year-old birdied the 16th and 17th holes for a miniature rally, but miniature's all he needed to go from "fading" to "leading" as the final round looms.
Now's as good a time as any to recall Watson's second British Open win, a slugfest with Jack Nicklaus (no, not a literal slugfest, that's hardly behavior fit for a golf tournament). The year was 1977, and the scene was Turnberry:
Somehow that day in 1977, Tom Watson still hadn't beaten Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry, even after Watson had knocked a 7-iron stiff, two feet, on the last hole. Somehow Nicklaus, down a stroke to Watson, had gouged an 8-iron out of the rough and out of what looked like a sinkhole from the right of the 18th fairway and gotten it on the green, 40 feet away. Of course Nicklaus made the putt, forcing Watson to make his to win the British Open.
(Excerpt) Read more at sportingnews.com ...
“I’m pullin for you Tom.”
Me too
prisoner6
We got six here pullin’ for you, Tom.
I have to pull for my son to win, (he's in sixth place after today) but, if not him, a win for Tom would be much enjoyed too.
I think I will go back and watch the Duel in the Sun tonight.
I think Old Tom was a bit younger when he won his last in the 1860’s.
Is your son Furyk or Cink? I have had the pleasure to meet them both and they are both fine champions but better yet wonderful people. Good luck to him!
Old Tom was 46 when he won his last Claret Jug in 1867
Ol' Tom was 46 when he won the Open. And the oldest player ever to win any major championship was Julius Boros, winning the PGA in '68 at age 48.
I have to pull for my son to win, (he's in sixth place after today).
Good ole Stewart. One of my favorite players on tour. You raised a fine son. I'll be pulling for him. ...after Watson ;)
I can't blame you for pulling for Tom tomorrow. I sure have to hope he does himself proud!
Thank you - yes, they’re both fine people. Stewart is mine :-)
Go Stewart!
Oh my goodness — Tom and Stewart in a playoff! 4 holes to decide the winner. Regardless of the outcome, both players have done themselves proud. And my two favorites in the field are going to finish 1-2 no matter what!
At this time they’re about to begin the playoff. If you’re on FR right now, you ability to multitask is far superior to mine.
Congrats papa on getting this far. I’m pulling for Tom but I’m happy for Stewart.
Congratulations to your family...for your son’s great win at the British Open....I must confess that DH and I were rooting for Tom W., but are very happy for Stewart and his family. I know you must be so proud!
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