Tom Watson will get a second chance to wave goodbye to the Open Championship from the Swilcan Bridge as the R&A extended the five-times champion’s right to play in the Open for an extra year.
Having already changed the rules to accommodate the 64-year-old after his unforgettable and heart-breaking run to the runners-up slot at Turnberry in 2009, the club are to create a one-off special exception for one of their greatest champions to play one last time at the Old Course, St Andrews, next year.
This year’s championship at Hoylake was set to be the last of the special five-year exemption given to champions over 60 who had finished within the top 10.
It will allow the great champion to make his 40th anniversary appearance in the Open from his debut victory at Carnoustie in 1975, when he defeated Australia’s Jack Newton in an 18-hole play-off. Watson went on to win the championship in 1977 at Turnberry, 1980 at Muirfield, 1982 at Royal Troon and 1983 at Royal Birkdale.
He is one of only five men to have won the Claret Jug five times or more, with Harry Vardon’s six wins still the record, although Watson has come close to the sixth several times.
He played in the final group in 1984 at St Andrews, 1989 at Royal Troon and most famously in 2008 at 59 when he was edged in a play-off by Stewart Cink.
Watson will receive a special medal to mark his anniversary in what is likely to be his last Open appearance.
“Some of my finest memories in golf have come from playing in The Open,” he said.
“I am very proud and honoured to be given this opportunity to play once again in St Andrews next year.
“It is a special place for everyone in golf and I am very much looking forward to playing there again in front of the wonderful Scottish galleries.
“The Open Championship is unlike any other event in golf and to be part of its history is a privilege.”
Peter Dawson, R&A chief executive, said: “Tom is the most successful Open Champion still playing today and has made a huge contribution to the championship over the last 40 years.”