Both Watson and Faldo waved farewell to the event which secured them a combined eight titles during two stellar careers, savouring the applause of the thousands lining the fairways as they paused for the obligatory photographs on the Swilcan Bridge at the 18th.
Meanwhile O’Meara, the 1998 Open and Masters Champion, and two-time holder of the Green Jacket, Langer, proved that that age is no barrier at the upper echelon of golf as they fought their way through all four rounds of the event.
After three rounds, O’Meara – who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame last Monday night in St.Andrews – shot a superb one under par 71 for a three round total of 215 to lie in tied 70th place while Langer added a 73 to his opening 74 and classy 70 for a total of 217 and tied 78th.
O’Meara commented: “I am so delighted to have managed to play this week after pulling out of the US Senior Open with a ligament problems in my toe. Walking has been an issue, but I feel I’ve been getting better every day.
“I’ve had injections to help the problem but I knew I needed to play at St.Andrews if I was hoping to be competitive for Sunningdale. I love the golf course and wanted to be in good form coming into the Senior Open, so here’s hoping for another good week.”
Meanwhile Watson was able to relax at St.Andrews, enjoying a farewell Open party with family and friends before moving on to Sunningdale for the Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex.
The three-time Senior Open champion reflected: “We've got a few housefuls of people who came overfor my last Open. It's wonderful to have them around. We had a good last get-together at The Open.”
However he added: “I still want to compete. I still want to hit that shot that really means something under the pressure. I’ve said farewell to The Open Championship, and I'll still be a part of it - I hope to still be involved with The Open Championship in one way or the other.
“I most likely will probably play in the Senior Open because they still continue to play on links courses there. Sunningdale this year is a great exception, but they keep on going to links courses, and I'll probably continue to play in the Senior Open.”
No fewer than 32 Major Champions with 77 Major titles between them will line up for this year’s Senior Open Championship Presented by Rolex at Sunningdale from July 23-26.
This year’s field contains more Major winners, with 17 players who have won Majors on the main Tours and 15 who have captured Major titles among the over-50s.
Limited Hospitality is still available on Thursday and Friday @ £129 + vat per person or Saturday and Sunday from £99 + vat per person.
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