WATSON!!

**TheHelgo** · 07-18-2009, 01:05 PM

how incredible is it that 59 year old Tom Watson continues to lead The Open? I am pulling for him all the way - what an outstanding story that would be!!

**Cyclonepride** · 07-18-2009, 03:53 PM

I'm pulling for Tom too. I saw the last six holes or so today, and he was impressive. I think he has a real shot at it, since the Open is a thinking man's course, and he's got five trophies on his shelf. I'm worried that Goosen is close behind, but I'll be pulling for Watson!

**TarHeelHawk** · 07-18-2009, 04:22 PM

You know who wasn't pulling for Tom? ABC executives, because their ratings just took a nosedive.

**iccyfan** · 07-18-2009, 04:26 PM

I haven't watched much but saw a graphic yesterday over lunch that put this nicely into perspective. Prior to yesterday, the oldest player to hold a major championship lead after two rounds was 54 year-old Sam Snead, who did it twice but didn't win either time. Now a 59 Y/O Tom Watson is holding a lead after three rounds. We're witnessing golf history - take it home Tommy!!!

**RayShimley** · 07-18-2009, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

You know who wasn't pulling for Tom? ABC executives, because their ratings just took a nosedive.

Haha, yeah they really took it on the chin with Tiger not making the cut. Should be interesting to see how the ratings come out.

**SeattleClone** · 07-18-2009, 04:34 PM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

You know who wasn't pulling for Tom? ABC executives, because their ratings just took a nosedive.

Of course the ratings took a nosedive once Tiger missed the cut. But at least they have a somewhat intriguing story line for Sunday, I'm sure they'll try to rev up the hype machine as much as they can without Tiger. I know I'll watch, if I can get up that early tomorrow.

**cybsball20** · 07-18-2009, 05:24 PM

I really think this goes to show that maybe Tiger isn't as dominant as people thought. There really isn't the competition there was in the 60's-70's80's. Tiger and todays players score well because they can bomb drivers down and scramble to a par and get easy birdie if their in the fairway. Players like Watson, Nicklaus, etc had to make shots. Today's players probably never even played with a persimmon wood, or a blade putter. If you were to give those clubs to them now it would be comical.

**jbhtexas** · 07-18-2009, 06:10 PM

I think the Tom Watson story is far more compelling than Tiger racking up another major. In fact, Charles Barkley unveiling his new and improved swing at the American Century Championship is a more compelling story than Tiger winning another major...

**LZclone** · 07-18-2009, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

You know who wasn't pulling for Tom? ABC executives, because their ratings just took a nosedive.

Beg to differ. They will not be as good because that other TW guy is out

However, many others will watch just to see if Tom can pull it off.

I for one hope he does. That piece of poop Bob Ryan on consecutive appearances on PTI (Thur and Fri) said Watson would fade AND that it would be horrible for golf if he won.

Go to hell Bob Ryan...

Go TOM WATSON

**capitalcityguy** · 07-18-2009, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by TarHeelHawk

You know who wasn't pulling for Tom? ABC executives, because their ratings just took a nosedive.

That makes no sense. The only hope now for decent ratings with Tiger out is for Watson to stay in contention.

total misread IMO.

**acrozier22** · 07-18-2009, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

I really think this goes to show that maybe Tiger isn't as dominant as people thought. There really isn't the competition there was in the 60's-70's80's. Tiger and todays players score well because they can bomb drivers down and scramble to a par and get easy birdie if their in the fairway. Players like Watson, Nicklaus, etc had to make shots. Today's players probably never even played with a persimmon wood, or a blade putter. If you were to give those clubs to them now it would be comical.

Seriously? What about the courses being much longer and much more difficult?

Tiger has one bad tourney and all of sudden the nay sayers come out. Give me a break!

**Cyclonepride** · 07-18-2009, 08:29 PM

Tiger doesn't bomb his driver like he used to, and that has made him a better player. Half the time, it seems like he's driving with his three wood. There's a lot of great competition right now, but they're a level below. Nicklaus was an amazing golfer, and I believe would have given Tiger a serious run for his money. Tiger is absolutely a shot maker, and his short game separates him from the pack. He's just incredibly good at all phases, so considering him just a bomber doesn't give him nearly the credit that he deserves.

**baylrballa** · 07-18-2009, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by cybsball20

I really think this goes to show that maybe Tiger isn't as dominant as people thought. There really isn't the competition there was in the 60's-70's80's. Tiger and todays players score well because they can bomb drivers down and scramble to a par and get easy birdie if their in the fairway. Players like Watson, Nicklaus, etc had to make shots. Today's players probably never even played with a persimmon wood, or a blade putter. If you were to give those clubs to them now it would be comical.

yeah 1 cut missed out of 48 majors and there you go. (2/49 if you count the one after his father died)

he's not very good.

the courses are much longer relative to the added distance due to technology.

**kilgore_trout** · 07-18-2009, 09:12 PM

exactly, this is good stuff!

Originally Posted by jbhtexas

I think the Tom Watson story is far more compelling than Tiger racking up another major. In fact, Charles Barkley unveiling his new and improved swing at the American Century Championship is a more compelling story than Tiger winning another major...