Watson looks to others to assess his Turnberry magic
TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Belying his 59 years, Tom Watson is poised to clinch the most remarkable major victory of all time but prefers others to judge the merits of his astonishing display at the British Open.
The eight-times major champion, one of the greatest exponents of links-course golf, has putted like a magician at the Ailsa Course and will take a one-shot lead into Sunday's final round.
"It is kind of emotional out there but I'm not thinking of that," Watson told reporters, referring to the significance of possibly becoming the sport's oldest major winner.
Fellow American Julius Boros holds the record, having clinched the 1968 U.S. PGA Championship at the age of 48.
"That's your business to think about that," Watson said after carding a one-over-par 71 in blustery conditions in Saturday's third round.
"The first day here: 'Yeah, let the old geezer (guy) have his day in the sun (with his opening) 65. The second day you said: 'Well, that's okay, that's okay'.
"Then now today you kind of perk up your ears and say: 'This old geezer might have a chance to win the tournament'. It's kind of like Greg Norman (ahead of the final round of the Open) last year.
"I don't know what's going to happen but I do know one thing. I feel good about what I did today, I feel good about my game plan and who knows? It might happen."
Watson, who won the first of his five British Open titles in his tournament debut at Carnoustie in 1975, sensed he was set for a successful week during his practice rounds.
FEELING GOOD
"On Wednesday, I really felt good about my chances to do well in the tournament, and so far so good," he said after posting a four-under aggregate of 206.
"I've played well. I've kept the ball in play off the tee ... and the most important thing (in links-course golf) is to drive the ball in the fairway.
"Tiger (Woods) is gone because he couldn't drive the ball in the fairway; he couldn't get it there," Watson said of the world number one's missed cut in a major for only the second time as a professional.
"But for some of us it's been a good week that way."
Watson, who had a hip replacement nine months ago, has not lifted the prized Claret Jug since his 1983 triumph at Royal Birkdale and has missed the Open cut eight times in his last 16 starts.
While his sublime talent for links golf remains intact, his putting has been the most significant factor in a vintage display at Turnberry.
"Every now and then it works, you know," he said after draining a 20-footer to par the 14th and a 40-footer to birdie the 16th. "It's just every now and then. And boy, is it working at the right time right now.
"Tomorrow maybe I can go out there and complete the game plan and do what I think I have to do to win the tournament."
(Editing by Tony Jimenez)
