Watson Is Up Four A Troon War

Jul 20 2008 By Euan Mclean

TOM WATSON reckons he will pull off his toughest win yet if he clinches a record-breaking fourth Senior Open Championship victory at Royal Troon next Sunday.

The US legend will surpass Gary Player's haul of three titles-battles his way to the £160,000 winner's cheque.

Defending champ Watson will also continue a remarkable record of taking the honour on courses where he won The Open having already scored at Turnberry and Muirfield.

Only his 2005 Seniors win at Royal Aberdeen bucks that trend because it has never been a venue for the big one.

Now Tom is hoping the return to Ayrshire is a good omen as he looks to recreate the memories of his triumph there in 1982.

But the 58-year-old admits he finds it tougher than ever these days with new blood like Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam set to make their debuts after turning 50.

Tom said: "I expect winning it is going to get harder. Guys like Bernhard and Sandy know how to win big tournaments.

"I'm getting long in the tooth while they're spring chickens. Look at the round Sandy put in on the first day of the US Masters this year - he was leading at one stage.

"So there's no doubt this year will be my hardest yet.

"I'll have to rely on the treachery and wisdom I have gained over the decades to beat these young kids!"

And Watson will need to be wise to wipe his last experience of Troon from the memory banks.

He smiled: "A couple of summers ago I played a friendly game there and shot about 85!

"I kept hitting the driver into the gorse. All I remember is looking for my golf balls so I know how tough Troon can be. You must be careful and on your game to win there."