Watson bids farewell to St Andrews

Tom Watson was beaten up by the Old Course, but still kissed it goodbye after his last round at St Andrews in the Open.
Tom Watson was beaten up by the Old Course, but still kissed it goodbye after what is expected to be his last round at St Andrews in the Open.
Watson carded a second round 75 to miss the cut on four over par, despite almost holing his pitch to the 18th for an eagle two, minutes after kissing the Swilcan Bridge and standing on it to pose for pictures.
“This golf course was tough,” said the 60-year-old American, beaten in a play-off by Stewart Cink at Turnberry last year. “She was naked on Friday, but she put on her boxing gloves (yesterday) and just hit us with all she had.”
Asked about taking the applause from the crowd on the 18th, the five-time Open champion added: “I think the main thing was the respect I have for the way the game is played over here, the respect that the people have for their game.
“The Scots invented golf and they love the game with a passion unlike any other people. I enjoy that.
“This is not my last Open Championship. I intend to play some more, but it’s my last Open Championship at St Andrews.
“I thought of Arnold (Palmer) on the bridge, I thought of Jack (Nicklaus) on the bridge, and their last Opens were both right here at St Andrews.
“My last Open is not right here, the good Lord willing. I have a few more years left thanks to the R&A’s special exemption for me.”
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