With five career British Open titles to his name, no other U.S. golfer has been as celebrated at the storied major than Tom Watson. And while those titles might seem like they're far away in the rearview mirror, golf enthusiasts will likely remember the showdown only three years ago when Stewart Cink overcame Watson's putting woes to win his first major and keep the then 59-year-old from his sixth British Open win. So no one should be counting out the Kansas native.
As for now, Watson says he's gearing up to play and that he's ready for yet another turn at Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Course at the age of 62.
"I'm really ready to play," said Watson. "Sometimes your body can't go. Right now, at times, I'm wondering if my poor iron play isn't the result of either a lack of conditioning or an injury or just a bad swing. That throws some doubt in your mind. Any time you have any doubt, this game can eat you up.
"We play this game on a thin edge a lot of times, where it's between being confident and not being confident. And whenever you let that doubt in there, it takes you below that edge. You need that edge."
While he does recognize that he's advanced in years and that it might not be a given that he'll continue to play in majors such as these, he's still doggedly determined to play as long as he can.
"I still enjoy competing, that's why I'm out here," Watson said. "When I'm not competitive, my dinners doesn't taste very good. I still have that urge and, barring injuries, I think I have some time left."
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