The golfing world is in shock! At the British Open (they simply call it the Open) Tiger Woods has already boarded his plane and flown to places unknown. Other golfers with less means have also left, not having made the cut. At the top of the heap on the last day of competition is a fifty-nine year old golfer, twice as old as some of his competitors. It is Tom Watson. He is no novice at the game, to be sure. He has won this prestigious championship five times before, and beaten folks like Jack Nicklaus, thirty-two years ago, but the one they call "the old geezer" is not supposed to be doing this sort of thing now. With eighteen holes to go he has a one-stroke lead. By the time you read this it will probably be over. He may be many strokes behind. Golf can be cruel. One hole and one swing of a club can wipe out seventy-one holes of near perfection. It would be great for Watson to win, but no surprise if he doesn't. He has already DONE what most would have said could not be done. He has done it with style and class and with a controlled game on the fairway and green. It has been a grand three days for the Geratol set.
Golf really is a sport one can play through most of life, if health permits. The goal of older golfers is to shoot their age. That is, to have a score after eighteen holes that matches or is below their age. I have some friends who have done this. If statistics are trustworthy I would have to live to be one hundred ten and have a good day on the links to accomplish this goal.
Will Tom Watson win the big one today? I have no idea. At least they won't be testing him for steroids. If his putts continue to fall as they have he could have another claret for his trophy room. I am pulling for the old Geezer!
