SENIOR BRITISH OPEN: Tom Watson is relishing the unique links challenge ahead of him when he makes his Mastercard Senior British Open debut at Royal Co Down today.
The eight-times major winner comes into the event as the odds-on favourite with Ireland's Christy O'Connor Jnr, winner of the event in 2000 before a freak motorbike accident which kept him out of the game for much of the following season, as his nearest challenger according to the bookmakers.
Since joining the Senior USPGA Tour in 1999, Watson (52), has won at least once each season, his most notable achievement was becoming the Senior PGA Champion last year.
Although this week's event is not recognised as a major, it was still an easy choice for Watson to make the trip and compete at Newcastle, especially given his affinity with traditional links venues.
"My decision to play in this event was made easy because it is held in Newcastle," remarked the five-time British Open winner who first played Royal County Down back in 1989 with the legendary Byron Nelson ahead of the Open at Royal Troon that year.
Watson is a player who has enjoyed considerable success competing on links courses and his enthusiasm to continue doing so appears as vibrant as ever.
"I've had my share of wins on links courses over the years. This golf course is very difficult, especially in strong winds. It's about as tough as any course I've played over here," he said, almost willing the weather to take a turn for the worse in his press conference after relatively benign conditions during practice today.
"Some good strong winds would suit me this week. I've played more than one practice round here, which you need to do competing on a links course and I don't mind the blind shots, they don't bother me," explained the short-game maestro who tees off at 8.40 a.m. today alongside Japan's Seiji Ebihara, winner of this year's Senior Irish Open at Adare Manor, and England's John Morgan.
O'Connor Jnr, playing in the group behind Watson, would have reason to consider this as a legitimate defence of a title he had to relinquish 12 months ago. Sidelined because of the injury provided Australian Ian Stanley the opportunity to claim the European Seniors Tour's most prestigious title by winning the first play-off hole against New Zealand left-hander Bob Charles. The pair finished three shots ahead of Morgan and the event's main draw last year, Jack Nicklaus.
In all 12 Irishmen, including Denis O'Sullivan, Eddie Polland and David Jones, will compete for honours at Royal County Down but only nine can win the £75,000 top prize as the three Irish amateur qualifiers are not eligible for professional prize money.
One of the amateurs, Hugh Smyth, will have plenty of local support as the former Irish International who plays out of Newcastle equalled the low score of the day at one of the nearby qualifying venues, carding a fine two-under par 70 at Kilkeel.
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