The wonder of Watson

Tom Watson rolled back the years today and after firing a first round 65 (-5) firmly believes he can clinch his sixth Claret Jug – and his second at Turnberry.

“I feel like I’m playing well enough to win the tournament. It doesn’t feel a whole lot different from 32 years ago (his last success at Turnberry) except that I don’t have the confidence in my putting that I had then.

“But, then again, a few of them might continue to go in!”

Watson warmed-up for his remarkable 1st round showing with a round on the Turnbery Hotel’s pitch and putt course before dinner last night.

Nobody knows the Ailsa better than Uncle Tom and he’s optimistic of maintaining his form although clearly he knows there’s a long, long way to go.

“I think I have a real zip and shooting 65 is a great way to start. Will I be able to handle the pressure? I don’t know.

“The light may go on and I may play without to much pressure – or the pressure may be too much to handle. But I’ve been there before.”

And that’s a major advantage which Watson will be looking to exploit over the next few days…

Watson, ever-popular with the Scottish galleries, is due to make his farewell Open appearance at St Andrews next year when he celebrates his 60th birthday. But he proved today there’s still plenty of life left in the old dog yet…