On-song Tom Watson feeds off memories of golden era

Published on Monday 21 June 2010 00:32

BACK at the venue where he clinched one of his greatest major victories, Tom Watson has stirred memories with some inspired golf in this year's US Open at Pebble Beach.

Champion in 1982 when he famously chipped in from the rough to birdie the 17th, Watson sank four birdies in difficult scoring conditions on the way to a one-under-par 70 in Saturday's third round.

The 60-year-old American, who often played the course as a student at Stanford University, was given standing ovations by the crowds as he made his way around the spectacular coastal layout.

"It warms me," Watson said after posting a six-over total of 219. "I have a lot of history in this area and there are a lot of people from California that I've known over the years. I can draw on a lot of experience here, but I still make the mistake of not hitting the right club on a few shots here because the ego gets in the way."

Although Watson bogeyed two of the last four holes to slip back to six over for the tournament ahead of the final round, he had good reason to smile after improving his overall position in the third round. Having his son Michael working as his caddie has made this week even more memorable for Watson.

"It completes the circle," said the eight-times major winner. "Winning here in 1982 and calling my dad on Father's Day, and then having my son caddie for me here when I'm 60 years old, that's pretty special."