The Open is back at St Andrews on it’s five year rotunda. This year legend of the game, Tom Watson (above, photo by Chris Turvey), will tee up for the last time in The Open.
The Open at St Andrews has given rise to a legacy of distinguished champions that are the best of their generation. Including Jack Nicklaus (1970, 1978) and more recently, Tiger Woods (2000, 2005). The location is so symbolic that Jack Nicklaus chose to end his outstanding career at St Andrews, waving goodbye from the Swilcan Bridge to adoring golf fans in 2005.
Tome Watson, whose name is inscribed no fewer than five times on the iconic Claret Jug, was granted a special extension of his exemption, to allow him to play his last stroke at St Andrews, 40 years after his first appearance.
“I have mixed emotions about competing in my last Open,” said Watson. “The finality of it is a little bit like death, but great consolation is found in the many wonderful memories of this Championship. Those memories will always temper that sadness.”
Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication & Image at Watson’s sponsor Rolex, said: “It will be a privilege to witness Tom Watson’s farewell to The Open and we thank him for the sportsmanship, integrity and charisma he has brought to the game and its fans over the years.
Among the favorites teeing up at St Andrews at the 144th Open is golf’s newest and brightest star, Jordan Spieth. The 2015 Masters and U.S. Open Champion will have the chance to become only the third player in history to win three majors in a row in the same year. The Texan has already demonstrated his ability on the British links in past performances as an amateur, finishing second at the 2008 Junior Open and winning both singles games at the Walker Cup in 2011 at Royal Aberdeen.
