R&A extends Watson’s exemption to 2015 British Open

Tom Watson won the first of his five British Open championships in 1975.

 

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — The R&A gave a 2015 British Open exemption to Tom Watson, affording the five-time champion a one-year extension in tribute to the 40th anniversary of his first victory.

Michael Tate, the R&A’s executive director, made the announcement Tuesday morning at the Greenbrier Resort, where Watson is preparing to play in this week’s Greenbrier Classic.

Former champions are exempt until they reach age 60, and Watson will turn 65 before next year’s British Open at St. Andrews. The R&A also allows previous champions to compete for five years following a top-10 finish, meaning the current exemption for Watson’s runner-up at Turnberry in 2009 will expire this year.

Watson owns eight major titles overall, including British Open championships at Carnoustie (1975), Turnberry (1977), Muirfield  (1980), Royal Troon (1982) and Royal Birkdale (1983). But he has never conquered St. Andrews, settling for second in 1978 and 1984.

Watson last tried St. Andrews in 2010, missing the cut at 4-over.

“I remember walking over the Swilcan Bridge and feeling sadness that it was my last time,” Watson recalled Tuesday. “So if my body holds up, I’ll plan on being there in 2015. I’ll drag myself there if I have to.”





More

Sports
Beanie Bishop posts top 40-yard dash time at Big 12 Pro Day
March 29, 2024 - 1:21 am
High School Sports
Herbert Hoover improves to 10-0 with 2-1 win over Hurricane
The Huskies collected a pair of victories Thursday in the Guard the Capital Invitational in Charleston.
March 29, 2024 - 12:51 am
Commentary
Some notes on Easter and religion as we begin the holiday
March 29, 2024 - 12:48 am
High School Sports
Independence bests Wahama, 10-2 in the Guard the Capital Tournament
March 28, 2024 - 9:03 pm


Your Comments