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“It landed right where I wanted it to ... it was coming down right on the flag.” This is Tom Watson's description of a key shot he once played at Turnberry’s 72nd hole, but perhaps not the one you would think.
In 1977, one of the greatest Open Championships in history culminated in the Duel in the Sun, as Watson and Jack Nicklaus streaked clear of the field and traded birdies at Turnberry in a magnificent final-round shootout.
A stunning approach to the par-4 18th from Watson ultimately proved decisive, leaving a putt of no more than 2 feet. Although Nicklaus salvaged a miraculous birdie of his own after a wayward drive, Watson’s closing 3 completed a 5-under-par round of 65 and secured victory by a single stroke.
On that occasion, Watson produced class when it came to his second shot at Turnberry’s final hole. In 2009, more than three decades later, he did so again, albeit with an altogether different result. The approach in 2009 was the fateful shot Watson was describing.
To continue reading about Tom Watson at Turnberry’s 18th, visit: https://www.theopen.com/latest/2020/09/tom-watson-two-shots-turnberry-18.
The R&A