Watson on the Brink of Immortality

Golf has needed Tom Watson before. It was the 1993 Ryder Cup and the 43 year old Watson was called upon to captain the team. At first, he was unsure about the whole thing. After all, he was only 43 and didn’t think his playing days were finished yet. He also knew how much of an honor it was.

 The US was charged with defending the cup for the first time since Watson’s buddy, Jack Nicklaus, captained the team in 1983. The cup of national dominance had sat oversees since 1985. After the U.S reclaimed it in 1991, Watson knew that he couldn’t head the team that gave it right back to the Europeans. And he didn’t. Watson’s club put together a thrilling 15-13 victory to retain the cup. Watson was needed and he delivered.

 Now, some 16 years after Watson was forced to take a hard look at his competitive golf longevity, golf needs him again. But this time his playing, not coaching, is the main focus. A one over, 71 at Turnberry on Saturday leaves Watson in sole possession of the lead going into the final round. With the two best players in the world (Tiger and Phil)not playing on the weekend, the British had a chance to be one of the more forgettable ones.

 Watson has made it unforgettable. It almost doesn’t matter what the 59 year old does tomorrow. The golf world will be riding shotgun all the way. And 99.9% of it will be rooting for him.

 How could you not at this point? Besides being on the verge of unprecedented history, Watson is still as likable as any athlete today. His face is as warm as the summer sun. His demeanor as calming as the waves that border Turnberry .

 Here’s a guy who is one of the greatest players in the sport’s history (Golf Digest ranked him 10th in 2000) and he still is as humble as a young kid who’s playing in his first tournament. He admitted to assuming he would be nervous. He answered the press’ questions with both thought and insight. He is showing people that golf can be great theater, even with it’s best player throwing up a dud and missing the cut.

 I could write about Matthew Goggin and Ross Fisher, both of whom sit one back of Watson. I could write about Westward, Goosen, or Cink. All on whom are well within striking distance of a man who hasn’t won a major since 1983.

 But that’s not the story. It’s not even close.

 The reality is that all of those players are just foils in the plan. They are the villains to Watson’s hero.

 In any other week, Fischer’s story would be great. The Englishman is awaiting the birth of his first child. His wife is due any day now and he has repeatedly that he will leave the Open if she goes into labor. Great story. Not at great as Watson.

 Stewart Cink would also be a guy to pull for. He joined the tour in 1997, has come close in a few majors, but never could seal the deal. He sits three shots off the pace. Major number one for Cink would be a nice story. Not as nice as Watson.

 No matter what any of these “other players” do tomorrow, it won’t matter. They won’t be the 2009 British Open champion. They will be the guy who came between Watson and the greatest golf story ever.

 To say Tom Watson is destined for greatness tomorrow almost seams like an understatement. Everything is working right now in Watson’s favor. Even his putting stroke, a historical bugaboo for Watson, is working. It’s nothing short of magical.

Something like this is above traditional analysis.

 His ninth major would take him to another level in golf lore. We often see athletes go from good to great. We don’t often see them go from great to legendary.

 With a win tomorrow, Tom Watson will become one of the legends of the game.

 Tee time for Watson: 9:20am

Related posts:

1. 2009 PGA Championship- The Preview Column
2. Watson Comes Within Inches of History (Cink Wins)
3. Watson, My Good Sir!
4. Mickelson To Return to PGA Tour Next Week
5. Tom, Tiger, and The Wind- British Open Day One Thoughts