Kansas City pro golf legend Tom Watson chose to bypass the U.S. Senior Open this weekend at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, in favor of playing against the younger bucks in the Greenbrier Classic in White Sulpher Springs, W.Va.
Winner of eight major golf champiuonships, including five British Opens, in his illustrious career, Watson may want to reconsider his decision after shooting a five-over-par 75 in the opening round of the Greenbrier classic on Thursday. The 61-year-old Kansas City native is 11 shots back of first-round leader Trevor Immelman and in danger of missing the weekend cut heading into Day 2 of the tournament.
Other local golfers playing in the Greenbrier Classic include Gary Woodland of Topeka, who played collegiately at Kansas, fired a five-under 65 on Thursday and trail Immelman by a single stroke. Kansas City’s Tom Pernice, Jr. opened with a round of 68, leaving him three shots back of the leader.