What we can learn from Tom Watson...

I must say that one of the best things for me about this years open was watching Tom Watson. Obviously his record stands for itself, but what impressed me most, and what we amateurs can all learn from, is how simple he keeps his swing and his "within his limits" course management.

Now obviously he has years of coaching and swing refinement to fall back upon, but at over 60 years of age he has of course had to change his swing as his aging body dictates. He swings simply and relatively slowy, but he gets the basics absolutely correct. A review of the PGA stats shows that his driving average is still the best part of 290 yards, and it was brilliant to see him still striking low irons and hydrids into the mid 200s. Yes, he has learned and is able to use specialist shafts and clubs that help him acheive these distances, but this technology is nothing without control.

I am 31 years old, 6ft tall and pretty fit. I don't swing particularly fast and my driving average would, for FIR, probably be somewhere between 220-230. A big hit in the right circumstance would be up around 280+, but that's a rarity. It hit my 5 iron around 200 yards and my 20 degree hybrid probably 20 yards further.

To watch a 61 year old play his driver, long irons and hybrids with such ease and control was quite inspiring. Now i don't mean that to sound patronising - i'm obvioulsy not talking about some 28 handicapper here, i'm talking about one of the best golfers who ever lived. But age has and will continue to take it's toll on Tom, and as it does so he proves to the rest of us that; (a) you don't need to swing hard to acheive distance and (b) you don't have to hit long to make good scores. Keeping the swing slow and simple and keeping the ball in playable arreas is something we can all learn from this master of the game.

And the final thing we can learn? Tom smiles his way round a golf course. OK, he no longer faces pressures that his younger counterparts face, and while he'd love to win the Open again, he really plays for the love of the game and the people. He didn't make every fairway or hit every green; he missed a few putts. But he doesn't get down or frustrated...he just adopts a philosophical expression - even a wry smile - and strolls on.

Next time i'm out playing, i shall try to remember some of these simple but effective principles.

Really good thread and nice to see one with a lot of positivity, showing the lessons that we can all learn from the stars of the game.

Another great thing that I have noticed with Watson is how well young players perform when playing with him. Tom Lewis seemed like he constantly had Watson on his shoulder and even when he was competing a couple of years ago and playing with Mannasero it felt like Watson guided him to an extent. I get the impression from Watson that he gets real enjoyment out of seeing younger players play well and for any youngster to have a mentor like that, even for a round or two, is invaluable in them gaining experience.

A friend of mine went to The Open with his wife. They went with daughter and son-in-law who are keen golf fans, but my friend and his wife had never been particularly interested and never been to an event.

He came back hooked and absolutely loved it (even the weather) - but I asked him who he had enjoyed seeing most (expecting the answer to be a Rory or Westwood or Fowler or Clarke). Without hesitaton he said "Tom Watson". Says it all I think!

sharrison01 wrote:Really good thread and nice to see one with a lot of positivity, showing the lessons that we can all learn from the stars of the game.

Another great thing that I have noticed with Watson is how well young players perform when playing with him. Tom Lewis seemed like he constantly had Watson on his shoulder and even when he was competing a couple of years ago and playing with Mannasero it felt like Watson guided him to an extent. I get the impression from Watson that he gets real enjoyment out of seeing younger players play well and for any youngster to have a mentor like that, even for a round or two, is invaluable in them gaining experience.

Absolutely right Sharrison. Playing in the Open would have been a great enough experience for Tom Lewis but to get to play with Tom Watson and Phil Mickelson must have been the icing on top of an already very tasty cake! It did indeed seem that old Tom was, to some extent, guiding young Tom around the course. Even if he wasn't directly coaching him on his swing and shots, i can well imagine that during the walks between holes Tom Snr would have been passing on some of his very considerable experience. Nice touch to see Tom Watson slow his walk up the 18th fairway (day1?) to allow Tom Lewis to walk alone up to the green, at that stage as co-leader.

Agree with everything said about Watson - pure class. I'm just a little bit shocked that theeldestboy is only 31!

SmithersJones wrote:Agree with everything said about Watson - pure class. I'm just a little bit shocked that theeldestboy is only 31!

I've been busted!

Ha ha, it's actually an ironic nickname coined when i was in my teens. I was actually the youngest in my groups of friends!

Form is temporary, class is permanent.

What about humility as well? The man is, as puligny says, pure class.

Yep, great positive thread TEB. A lot of what you say mirrors exactly what I was thinking when I went to the open at Turnberry. Over the 6 days (I did 2 practice ones as well), there wasn't a player I followed more, particularly during the practice rounds. He was inspirational to watch. I have fond memories of it because it kick started a golden run of form for me. Although I wasn't at RSG I'm hoping I get the same effect this year