Tom Watson, one of the greatest links golfers of all time, will be hungry for more history when he tees it up in The Senior Open Presented by Rolex at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 25-28.
The American, who won The Open an astounding five times before lifting the Senior Open Trophy on three occasions, is still missing an important accomplishment in his distinguished links career—a triumph on the famous Lancashire Links.
Watson has collected wins at Carnoustie, Turnberry, Muirfield, Royal Troon, Royal Birkdale and Royal Aberdeen but never at Royal Lytham & St Annes, which means his sights are firmly set on adding yet another jewel to his decorated crown.
“Royal Lytham is one of the premier links courses in the world and it always presents the players with a tough but fair challenge,” the two-time Ryder Cup Captain said. “My record at Lytham could use some polishing, but I would love nothing more than to play well with a chance to win at this iconic and historic venue. I am looking forward to this Major Championship with great anticipation."
The World Golf Hall of Fame Member will forever be connected to links golf in Britain. In 1975, the young Missouri native won at Carnoustie on his debut appearance at The Open, becoming one of only four players in the post-war era to accomplish the feat.
He went on to be named Champion Golfer of the Year another four times, and picked up his three Senior Open trophies in 2003, 2005 and 2007 before, as a 59-year-old, he captured the world’s imagination. Over four days at Turnberry in 2009, the great American played his way into a play-off for a sixth Claret Jug. Despite succumbing to eventual winner Stewart Cink, over 20 years his junior, Watson captured the imagination of sporting fans everywhere, and inspired over-50s golfers around the world.
Ten years on, Watson, who was only three strokes back of the lead heading into the final round of last year’s Senior Open, is still very much a threat to win another links title this year at Royal Lytham & St Annes.
Watson will be just one of a host of former Ryder Cup Captains, Major Champions and European Tour winners competing at Royal Lytham & St Annes later this year.
He, alongside the likes of Bernhard Langer, Paul McGinley, Colin Montgomerie and Ian Woosnam, will go toe-to-toe with defending champion Miguel Ángel Jiménez in the field at Royal Lytham & St Annes as the stars of the golfing world descend on the North West of England for Europe’s only Senior Major Championship.
Joining Watson in the American contingent at the 33rdedition of The Senior Open Presented by Rolex will be former Champion Golfer of the Year Tom Lehman, who won The Claret Jug on the links of Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1996.
Do not miss your chance to watch Miguel Angel Jiménez defend his title against the world’s best over-50s golfers. Tickets start from £13.50 and are available here.
. Hospitality options in The Lehman Lounge are also available here.
. Entry for Under-16s and parking are free.
