Tom Watson

A friend of GolfPunk who plays at Royal North Devon told us a story that you once turned up there, grabbed a caddy, shot 66 and then disappeared. Is that true?

“That’s correct. I played Westward Ho! with a friend of mine and I had a wonderful time. I truly enjoyed that golf course. St Enodoc is a wonderful course too, you should try it.”

What are your favourite courses over here?

“I’ve always loved Ballybunion. In fact, this year me and my good friend, Sandy Tatum, are coming over. Sandy’s 83 years old and asked me if I wanted to recreate a trip we did 25 years ago, when we played Ballybunion, Prestwick and Troon. So we’ll be doing that this year after the Senior Open. Sandy’s incredible, he shot a 73 around his local course this year.”

So how much are you playing at the moment?

“I tend to play more events in the summer, but I guess I play about 15 events a year. I’ll be playing five in a row from June, including the Open Championship and the Senior Open Championship. I’m looking forward to playing Hoylake this year, because I’ve never played there.”

What? Tom Watson? King of the links? Never played Hoylake?

“[Laughs] You know, people assume I’ve played all the links courses there are, but frankly I haven’t played nearly as many as you may think. Most of the courses I have played on are the championship courses and, as far as going around trying new courses, all I can say is there are far more avid golfers than me.”

We’ve heard that the children’s hospital in Kansas City is unveiling a statue in your honour, as a thank you for all your fundraising efforts for them?

“That’s right. Over a period of years I’ve helped raise some money for the hospital, and it really is a wonderful place for the kids to go and get well.”

Is the statue of you?

“Unfortunately, it is.”

Have you seen the finished product yet?

“I have seen it. It’s me holding a little boy, we’re both holding the same golf club. He’s looking at me and I’m looking at him.”

During The Open at St Andrews, you played with Jack Nicklaus as he played his last ever round. As he reached his final hole he seemed to hold it together quite well, but you were in bits weren’t you?

“Well, yes I was. But I love my relationship with Jack. It’s been competitive, but more than that, it’s been a true friendship. To be able to play with him in his last competitive round meant a lot to me. And for him to make a birdie at 18, just typical Jack Nicklaus – what a wonderful story. Jack’s been known for finishing his tournaments with a birdie, and in his last ever he does it again!”

Do you miss the old days, going head-to-head with him?

“Not really, but then I don’t really look back to be honest. I try to live for now.

I’ll take whatever happens in the future, as there’s nothing you can do about it.”

» Tom Watson Part 3