Watson blows hot and cold in race for senior record

TOM WATSON was partially blown off course in 25mph winds yesterday after threatening to tame the Old Course as he chases a record fourth Senior Open title.

The links legend was bowling along in style in pole position at the age of 68 when the golfing gods ambushed him down the stretch. Leading the £1.5million tournament by one after sinking an eagle putt on the fifth, the five-time Open champion mishit his second shot on the 14th into a bunker and proceeded to run up a double-bogey seven.

He shed further shots at 16 and 17 to sign for a third-round 73 and a six-under-par total. Watson has only three shots to make up on leader Miguel Angel Jimenez in today’s final round.

Jimenez signed for a 72 to establish a two-shot advantage over his nearest rivals, who include defending champion Bernhard Langer.

Langer posted a 73 after dropping a shot at the last to join American pair Tom Pernice and Kirk Triplett on a crowded leaderboard at seven under.

Watson said: ‘The wind blew hard making it a tough inward nine and I made some mistakes. The double bogey didn’t make me very happy but, all in all, I played some quality shots on a tough golf course.

‘It’s good to be in the position I am. I’m going to have to play some really good golf tomorrow to come out in front.’