London, July 18: While disconsolate world number one Tiger Woods heads home to Florida, 59-year-old Tom Watson continues his remarkable bid for a record-tying sixth British Open title on Saturday.
Veteran Watson, attempting to equal Harry Vardon’s tally of six Claret Jugs, will start the third round in a share of the lead with fellow American Steve Marino on five under par.
“To be doing what I’m doing out here, making a few lucky putts here and there and still feeling like I have a chance to win, that’s pretty cool,” Watson told reporters.
“I am still competitive … it doesn’t surprise me that people in their 50s can still compete against the kids.”
Maintaining the ‘Goldie Oldie’ theme at Turnberry is 49-year-old American Mark Calcavecchia who is on four under, one ahead of Briton Ross Fisher, South African Retief Goosen, Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, Vijay Singh of Fiji and Japan’s Kenichi Kuboya.
Woods, though, is licking his wounds after a second-round 74 meant he missed the cut in a major championship for only the second time as a professional. He finished with a five-over total of 145.
—Agencies