Golf legend 66 summers young today
It’s all the sixes today for the gentleman of golfers, Mr Tom Watson. The much-loved American, winner of eight Majors, including five Open Championships, has reached the respectable age of sixty six summers while still enjoying sixth position on the all-time honours list of Majors.
In one week’s time, the KLM Open will be in full swing at the Kennemer Golf & Country Club in Zandvoort. Tom Watson too. The golfing legend from Kansas with the endearing smile will be paying his first visit to Holland for his debut in the Dutch Open. His somewhat later developed love of links golf will be put to the test on one of Holland’s golfing gems. The Kennemer plays host to the 96th Dutch Open Championship from 10-13 September when Dutch golf fans will get a rare chance to see the legendary golfer in action. Watson has already said his absolute final farewell to the Open Championship this year. Only a last appearance in the US Masters next April remains.
He may well be the oldest player in the field in the Dutch Open, but don’t let that fool you. There’s a lot of great golf left in ol’ Tom yet. Remember 2009? Just a few months before his 60th birthday, he very nearly won The Open Championship at Turnberry. As some would say, “he had it in the bag”. However, his sixth Open title was not to be. The Claret Jug was snatched from his grasp. He was eventually beaten in a play-off by fellow-American Stewart Cink leaving the golf world stunned and breathless. Even the best of film producers could not have scripted a more thrilling epic – a rollercoaster packed with surprise, emotion and compassion.
Holland looks forward to welcoming Tom and his wife, Hilary, in Zandvoort. Let’s hope that we’re in for a sizzling Sunday with Tom and “Our Joost” in the final pairing.
Happy Birthday, Tom!
