Tom Watson, an eight-time major winner and two-time Masters champ who nearly became the oldest major winner at the 2009 British Open when he lost to Stewart Cink of Duluth in a playoff, became the oldest player to shoot a sub-par Masters round with a 71.
Q: What can you tell us about your round?
Watson: Perfect conditions. No wind. Greens are very soft. It was there for the taking, the golf course. My game is pretty good. I was happy with the way I played. I hit the first green, I hit two really good shots and then a 3-putt. Then I almost holed it at No. 2. My third shot there. I played some pretty good golf after that.
Q: How far back do you have to go to remember the conditions being this benign?
Watson: We have had conditions this benign here. It's a little softer than I remember it. The course is playing or the greens are a little bit softer than I remember for quite a number of years.
Q: Have you been playing well in your practice and preparation?
Watson: No. Well, old age and treachery. Treachery and just I played the golf course enough times to know where I'm supposed to hit it and where I'm not supposed to hit it. … My ego got involved too much the last few years. And today I just kind of, I played within myself today.
Q: Does your ego want to make the cut and play some more?
Watson: Yeah, I want to make the cut. Yeah. I haven't done that for a few years. … It's fun to be able to at least be in red figures at Augusta National. At my age, that's, it's a minor miracle.
About the Author
