Tom Watson enjoyed a spell between 1975-83 where it seemed he could do no wrong,
certainly at the Open where his five victories in nine years left him just one short of equalling
Harry Vardon's all-time record. His early days though had seen Watson earning the tag as
something of a "choker",on more than one occasion victory eluded him after he had built up
a seemingly commanding lead. Most notably perhaps was the 1974 US open where he shot a
last round 79 to finish five shots behind winner Hale Irwin after he had held the third round lead,
Tom later admitted that he 'blew it'. Later that month though he was a winner for the first time
on the US Tour with his triumph at the Western Open where he carded a final round 69 to come
from six strokes back. The following year saw Watson lifting his first major when he triumphed
at Carnoustie in his first ever Open Championship. The young American held his nerve to see off
the challenge of Australian Jack Newton in an 18 hole play-off after the pair had tied on nine
under par the previous day. Watson had won his first claret jug - the love affair had begun!
He failed to build on that success during 1976 but the year of 1977 saw Tom firmly establishing
himself as the natural successor to Nicklaus' crown. He won the Masters at Augusta with a two
stroke victory from the Golden Bear,his rounds of 70,69,70 and 67 giving him a 12 under par total.
The next major of that year was the US Open and he finished in a creditable 7th position, it was
then onto Turnberry for one of the greatest Open Championships ever seen. (David Scranage)