Elementary My Dear Watson

Tom Watson, one of the game’s most iconic names, will chase a unique treble and another place in golf’s record books when he targets a first prize of US$320,000 in The 2008 Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard at Royal Troon Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland, from July 24-27. If he retains his title, the 58 year old American will have won The Senior Open Championship on three of the courses where he also lifted The Open Championship, following his previous double victories at Turnberry and Muirfield. Watson joined Sir Bob Charles as the only player to win an Open Championship and Senior British Open at the same venue when he clinched the Senior Open Championship at Turnberry in 2003, scene of perhaps his most famous Open Championship victory in 1977 when he defeated Jack Nicklaus in the contest memorably referred to by golfing fans worldwide as ‘The Duel in the Sun’. He then repeated the achievement at Muirfield last year, venue for his third Open Championship triumph in 1980. Now Watson will attempt the treble as he looks to win The 2008 Senior Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club, the site of his remarkable fourth Open Championship triumph in 1982, where he claimed the Claret Jug after clawing back Nick Price’s three shot lead with six holes to play in a thrilling finale. Watson’s love affair with Scotland, where he won the first of his five Open Championships at Carnoustie in 1975, also saw him win The Senior Open Championship in 2005 at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. While he has 13 Major titles to his name altogether, including five Senior Majors, Watson admitted that to achieve this unique treble would rank highly amongst his long list of accomplishments. “It would be extremely special for me to win on three of the courses that I won The Open previously,” he said. “I have great affection for these courses and I have great affection for the way the game of golf is played on these links courses. “I think it’s fair to say I also have an affection for the Scots, even though I also won at Royal Birkdale in 1983. In Scotland there is a fabric of golf. People who don’t even play the game in the country have an appreciation of it and its history. “As far as this year is concerned, many of the other Seniors, especially those coming over from America, have not played Royal Troon before and perhaps that will gives me somewhat of an advantage. I know, if I play like I can do, I can usually stay pretty close to the lead. “I feel I’ve been able to play the courses well because of my short game. When the wind blows, I’m good at getting up and down. When the conditions get testing, everyone has to scramble and that is probably one of the main reasons I’ve done well on links courses.” Watson, who will play in The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale the week prior going for his treble, believes Royal Troon will provide its usual stern challenge. “On the back nine at Troon the wind can give some of the most challenging conditions in Open golf,” he said. “The 13th and the 15th in particular are very, very tough. In 1982 Nick Price had a run of bogeys going to the 18th. That can happen there.” The American admitted he will expect some stiff competition for the lion’s share of the US$2million prize fund from Bernhard Langer, who leads the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit, and Jay Haas, winner of last month’s US Senior PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. Also in the frame are Scotland’s own Sandy Lyle, who played all four rounds at Oak Hill, and Welshman Ian Woosnam, who won his first Seniors Tour event at the Parkridge Polish Seniors Championship last week. Michael Robichaud, Vice President Global Sponsorships MasterCard Worldwide, said: “MasterCard is especially proud to sponsor The 2008 Senior Open Championship when one of the game’s all time greats attempts to achieve such a historical triumph. We wish Tom, and of course, all the other players, the best of luck in what promises to be a memorable Championship for everyone involved.” Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, said: “The increasing success of the Senior Open Championship justifies EventScotland’s long-term strategy to support and develop this and other golf events in Scotland. “Golf and Scotland are inextricably linked and it is important that we continue to develop Scotland’s golfing product as it not only boosts our economy but also helps cement our reputation as a premier golfing destination, reinforcing our status as the sport’s birthplace and also helps us continue building towards the country’s hosting of The Ryder Cup in 2014.” To reserve a Championship hospitality package in the Barcelό Troon Marine Hotel, call today on +44 1292 314444. Alternatively, you can email marine.mande@barcelo-hotels.co.uk Tickets for The 2008 Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard - which is jointly run by the European Seniors Tour, The R&A and the US Champions Tour - can be booked now either via the hotline on 0800 023 2557 or visiting www.europeantourtickets.com.