St Andrews special spot for seniors
Watson among legions competing in British Open
Never before in the 31-year history of the Senior British Open has the event attracted as much interest from would-be competitors as this week’s edition at St Andrews in Scotland.
As many as 636 over-50s entered in the hope of teeing-up on golf’s most famous and sacred ground. Only 45 were exempt into the 144-strong line-up and 591 had to go through pre-qualifying.
“Ask any golfer what course first comes to mind and it is St Andrews,” five-time British Open champion Tom Watson said.
“It is recognized around the world as a very special place to be,” added the American veteran, who also won the senior version in 2003 and 2007.
Watson, whobadeanemotional farewell to the British Open at St Andrews in 2015, is one of seven former “champion golfers of the year” who have made their way to Scotland for the only senior major that is held outside the United States.
Ten members of the World Golf Hall of Fame are in attendance, as are 10 former Ryder Cup captains. Major champions are well represented; 20 from the regular tour and three from the Champions circuit. It is a field packed with quality.
Eighteen months on from his last start in a regular European Tour event, three-times British Open winner Nick Faldo is making a rare appearance.
“I’m looking forward to hopefully being half-decent on the course,” said the 61-yearold Englishman, six times a major champion. “The great thing about this game is it doesn’t let go. It tortures you. It keeps saying,co`me on, you can go and practice.’
“I still think I can play. I always want to go play so I’d like to think I can tee it up and actually enjoy myself.” Ryder Cup qualifying: Three tournaments remain before the top eight players qualify for the U.S. Ryder Cup team, including $10 million or more purses from the World Golf Championship at Firestone and the PGA Championship.
Another deadline quickly approaching is the FedEx Cup, and Adam Scott did himself a big favor with his tie for 17th at the British Open.
Scott moved from No. 123 to No. 107 in the FedEx Cup standings. He should be set, especially being guaranteed points in two weeks at the Bridgestone Invitational. Scott, who has fallen to No. 73 in the world ranking, gets into Firestone because he played in the Presidents Cup last year.
Others remain in a tough spot. Sergio Garcia missed the cut at Carnoustie and fell to No. 132, which is whyhedecided to play the RBC Canadian Open this week for the first time since 2001. Garcia has played only 11 events on the PGA Tour this year. Bill Haas, who took time off from golf after being the passenger in a fatal car accident, is at No. 144.