Five claret jugs and five winner’s medals will form the centrepiece of an exhibition honouring the career of one golf legend.
Tom Watson was in St Andrews to unveil the new display at the British Golf Museum as he prepares to wave farewell to the Home of a Golf in six weeks’ time.
Opening later this month, the new exhibition is expected to attract thousands of visitors in the run-up to and during the 144th Open Championship, where over the years Watson has become an adopted son of Scottish golf fans.
Though none of his five triumphs occurred on the world’s most famous links, he told The Courier that St Andrews holds a special place in his heart.
“This is a special place to have a golf tournament,” he said.
“The course starts and ends in the town of St Andrews and the excitement the people have throughout the streets they just walk on to the course and go.
“The course still plays as it did so many years ago and that’s the beauty of it. Watching people playing out here is striking.
“I’ve been here over a week and to see the excitement of players teeing off and when they finish is more than at any other course. That gets me excited. I love to see that passion.”
As well as all five of his championship trophies and medals, the museum exhibit will also feature other items of memorabilia, including the putter Watson used in 1975 when he was crowned the champion golfer of the year for the first time at Carnoustie.
As well as his five victories, Watson almost clinched his sixth Open win in 2009 when, at the age of 63, he missed a put on the 18th hole to win the championship at Turnberry, before losing a play-off to fellow American Stewart Cink.
Ahead of what will be his last appearance in the championship, he added: “I will have so many wonderful Open experiences to remember.
“I am so very grateful for all the years I have been able to compete and the success I have had in the Open.”