Tom Watson playing The Greenbriar not the Senior US Open

[Journeyman]

Strange decision, especially as its a 'major' he's never won. I always thought Tom was a man of integrity and showed a healthy respect for history and the significance of winning particular championships.

I imagine it's to do with his sponsors, but a real shame for the Senior US Open. I bet the USGA are furious.

[ghalfaire]

As I understand it he made a commitment to a friend some time back to be somewhere else at the time of the Senior Open.  I would think honoring that commitment is a show of integrity.

[Journeyman]

That's a good point.

I still find it a strange decision.

[makaveli]

I think Tom Watson is a person to admire, also because of this last choice!

[deasy55]

I've never respected a man (that I don't personally know) more than I respect Tom Watson.

[mirv]

according to the article i read, he's pro-emeritus at the greenbrier, and had wanted to play it last year but couldn't make it, so he promised that he would play this year instead.  he said several times in the article when asked why he wasn't playing the open "I made a promise, here i am, and that's that."

edit:  here's the article:  http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-golfnotes

[shades9323]

You find it strange that a man is keeping his word?

Originally Posted by Journeyman

That's a good point.

I still find it a strange decision.

[deasy55]

I believe he finds it strange that Tom Watson gave his word in the first place.

Originally Posted by shades9323

You find it strange that a man is keeping his word?

[shades9323]

I see.  It is the U.S. Senior Open.  It doesn't mean anywhere close to the regular U.S. Open, IMO. I don't find it as a big deal at all.  I doubt the USGA is furious like Journyman said.

Originally Posted by deasy55

I believe he finds it strange that Tom Watson gave his word in the first place.

[MSchott]

Originally Posted by mirv

according to the article i read, he's pro-emeritus at the greenbrier, and had wanted to play it last year but couldn't make it, so he promised that he would play this year instead.  he said several times in the article when asked why he wasn't playing the open "I made a promise, here i am, and that's that."

edit:  here's the article:  http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/pga/news?slug=ap-golfnotes

Just what I would expect from Watson and exactly the reason I have great respect for the man.

[Joe Mcc 69]

If the reason is in fact that he made a commitment,this my hat is off to Tom,it's the right thing to do.I would like to see him win a Senior Open,but he made the right choice in my opinion!