Tom Watson

[iacas]

I just gotta know if dear Watson wins... what are they gonna do about his exemption status... next year at St. Andrews would be his final Open even if he were to win...

No, that status only exists for past champions. He'd have a ten-year exemption for winning (and five into the other majors too, I believe) and would thus be eligible for quite awhile.

I almost think that if he wins Sunday - and I'm rooting for him to do just that - he should retire on the spot. Talk about going out on top.

[Shorty]

I just gotta know if dear Watson wins... what are they gonna do about his exemption status... next year at St. Andrews would be his final Open even if he were to win... would the R and A give him some special kind of exemption... or change the exemption rules?

What twisted logic prompted this bizarre post?

[Chilli Dipper]

Tom will be exempt into the Open until 2019, because all winners earn 10-year exemptions after their victories. The automatic entry for past champions until age 60 only begins after those exemptions run out (though Johnny Miller can still show up to play until 2012 if he so wishes, because he was 61 when the R&A; moved the age limit from 65 to 60 only last year and he and Tony Jacklin were grandfathered in).

[iacas]

Tom Watson's courtesy car this week: http://www.forerightbob.com/2009/07/...rtesy-car.html .

[Chilli Dipper]

Tom Watson's courtesy car this week:

At least that will explain things if he shoots an 88 tomorrow.

[RocketSauce]

Any of those who don't think it's possible, want to re-think that after today?!

yes, i am now re-thinking. i thought he would fall back today but he didnt. now i think he has a really good chance.... man i hope he can pull this off

[BASHERBAKER69]

as long as he putts ok and doesnt start yipping it from 2 feet he should win tomorrow!

[patath]

as long as he putts ok and doesnt start yipping it from 2 feet he should win tomorrow!

After watching the putts he has made the last two days that would be a 180 degree turn!

[Futuresport]

No, that status only exists for past champions. He'd have a ten-year exemption for winning (and five into the other majors too, I believe) and would thus be eligible for quite awhile.

no way man, you can see it in his face/eyes when he talks about the game, or when he's got that big smile after

every shot whether its good or bad. he loves it too much to just retire.

[walk18]

This is so unbelievable. Go Tom!!!!!!!!

[BASHERBAKER69]

It's not that unbelievable because he's still obviously a very very good and accomplished player. The Seniors tour is a tough school with the likes of Greg Norman, Mark O Meara, Ian Woosnam, Jay Haas, Sam Torrance, Wayne Grady and co playing on it.

[mcfc_nick]

the last two days ive said he's gonna fall back, im glad he's making me eat my words! a true legend!

[bradleygator]

It's not that unbelievable

Leading the biggest tournament in the world (top three anyway) thirty years after winning it on the same course is unbelievable. That's why he's on the front page of just about every website in the world right now.

Also, Tom on whether he's relieved Tiger's not around: "I don't give a damn about Tiger." Tell 'em Tom. Go Toooom!

[Chas]

It's not that unbelievable because he's still obviously a very very good and accomplished player. The Seniors tour is a tough school with the likes of Greg Norman, Mark O Meara, Ian Woosnam, Jay Haas, Sam Torrance, Wayne Grady and co playing on it.

Yes, he as good as said it himself, i.e. without the Senior's tour he wouldn't have stood a chance. In his own mind, and indeed as he has shown the last 3 days, he's still competitive at the top

on the right track of course. Death to the bomb-and-gouge !!! [for one tourney at least] Show'em Tom, you're still the man! ..... (on the links). Do it for all of us old fogies. p.s. those pot bunkers would give me heartburn. I'm hoping for wind wind wind.

[David in FL]

I almost think that if he wins Sunday - and I'm rooting for him to do just that - he should retire on the spot. Talk about going out on top.

He's playing in the British Senior next week isn't he?

How about a double? Something that would surely stand for a looooonnnnng time!

[Cara1975]

If he wins.. sports story of the year!!!

[Prairie Golfer]

Tom Watson's courtesy car this week:

Not quite. Tom is using the James Bond Lotus Esprit from 1977's "The Spy Who Loved Me."

[Shorty]

If he wins.. sports story of the year!!!

And that is the understatement of the year.

It will be the biggest story in golfing history and one of the greatest in sporting history, although I'm hard-pressed to see what would top it.