Tom Watson's 2015 British Open started well enough. He played much better than many players 40 years younger on his first nine holes and it looked like he would have a chance at making the cut. But then it came undone quickly on his second nine on Thursday, and he posted three double bogeys in a five-hole stretch.
His hopes of making the weekend likely ended in that stretch. Now he's facing what should be the tougher weather conditions late Friday afternoon and needing a round his 65-year-old body probably can't produce anymore. He's 4-over and in a tie for 133rd place with the cut line currently at 1-under.
ESPN will spend much of the day tracking Watson, and it was poignant right away on the first tee. Watson is the modern master of links golf and the Open, a five-time winner of the Claret Jug. He's adored by the Scottish fans, who gave him a standing ovation that probably won't compare to the one he gets coming up the 18th just before darkness in a little more than four hours.
Watched Tom Watson, my dad's favorite golfer, start his last British Open round. No YOU'RE getting misty at the inexorable passage of time.
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) July 17, 2015
Watson was the more emotional one during Jack Nicklaus' farewell on that hole 10 years ago, breaking down on the Swilcan Bridge. Tiger and Jordan Spieth will play at the same time, but Watson's last round may be the most memorable moment from this Friday afternoon.
★★★
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