Tom Watson Hangs His Club
After a professional career spreading over a staggering 35 years American Tom Watson made his final appearance in what he considers his favourite tournament, amid emotional scenes at St Andrews during the British Open golf championship.
The crowd cheered every move he made in his last appearance at the age of 60 and he did not let them down, as he stroked a skill full birdie three which was the last shot of his at St Andrews
The curtains were drawn to Watson’s British Open career as the third major championship of the season is not scheduled for any time with in the next three years and is not set to return to the 'home of golf' until at least 2015, thus Watson is ruled out as his Open exemption runs out a year earlier.
The 60 year old has remained the favourite of the crowd in this part of the world, and is treated with great love and affection from his fans who consider him to one of them.
Many believe that he is part of the family here and is an adopted Scot, after finishing off his stint here he was heard saying "I love you" to the galleries.
Watson then posed for an army of photographers who had converged to see the American in action and was not let down by him, who waited patiently as the cameras clicked away Son the 18th hole famed Swilcan Bridge.
Watson who had an outstanding professional career which included five Open championships wins besides eight-majors struggled to keep his emotions in check.
The aging American removed his cap before bending over to kiss the floor of the bridge which he had adored over the years as he made an appearance at the famed tournament regularly, Watson was also disappointed that he had missed the halfway cut after carding a 75 for 148, four over par.
It was not an easy ride for Watson who failed to show the form that led to a stunning performance at Turnberry last year.
Watson had come close to a miraculous performance as he led the championship on the 72nd tee, but his luck ran out at the crucial moment as he lost a four-hole playoff to compatriot Stewart Cink.
Meanwhile the weather made it doubly difficult for the aging pro as speedy winds of up to 40mph proved too much for most of the golfers including the American who wore a brownish colour theme in his farewell appearnce including a fawn sweater and brown trousers.
He was certainly the man of the moment as he left the course for the last time, and must have been reflecting at the greatest moments of his stints at St Andrews including his first win 35 years ago in 1975.
He enjoyed a great run at the championship for the next decade or so recoding wins in 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1983 Opens.
In a glorious end to his long association with the course the American reminded the fans of his wonderful skills that had made him the darling of the crowd, he drover short of the 18th green which was almost an eagle chip as darkness descended on the golf course.
The play ended for the day at 2145 local time, and Watson found the time opportune for a silky reminder of his skills that would be remembered as long as golf is played on the course in the famous tournament that draws the best talent from around the world.
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