Tom Watson announced as global ambassador for The Open
Last Updated: 06/06/18 7:27pm
Tom Watson has declared himself "honoured" to be appointed the first global ambassador for The Open.
The five-time champion accepted the role from the R&A at Carnoustie, the scene of his first Open triumph on his debut in golf's original championship in 1975 and also the venue for the 147th staging of the tournament next month, which will be live on Sky Sports from July 16-22.
Watson's fifth Open victory, at Royal Birkdale in 1983, saw him emulate James Braid, JH Taylor and Peter Thomson and he came agonisingly close to matching Harry Vardon's six wins in 2009, when he lost out to Stewart Cink in a play-off at the age of 59.
Now 68, the American competed in his final Open as a player at St Andrews three years ago in his 38th appearance in the event, and he will now play a vital part in promoting golf's most international major championship around the world.
"I am honoured and very much look forward to be the Global Ambassador of The Open," Watson told Sky Sports News. "It's a role in which I am keenly interested because of the ever expanding global interest and importance of The Open as what is truly 'The World's Open'.
"Everybody from around the world aspires to play in the Open Championship. It's been that way ever since I started playing it in the mid-70s. To me it brings the best from around the world to a unique place. These are links golf courses, we don't play links golf courses anywhere else but in the Open Championship.
"It really tests the mettle of a player to be able to play under these conditions. The wind is certainly a factor at any golf course but when you add the bounce and the luck of the bounce on links land it stretches you as a golfer to compete and win."
R&A chief executive, Martin Slumbers, added: "Tom Watson is one of the finest golfers ever to have graced the sport and has enjoyed an extraordinary career in The Open over many years.
"He has a special place in the hearts of generations of golf fans who have followed him and will always be remembered for the great joy he has given us with his incredible golf, warm personality and exemplary conduct.
"We have worked closely with Tom for a number of years and when we began to consider an ambassadorial role for the Championship he was an obvious candidate. We are delighted that Tom will continue to be part of The Open and will help us to further grow the Championship in the years to come."
Watson's most cherished Open victory was his second at Turnberry in 1977, when he edged out Jack Nicklaus in an enthralling final-round battle that was famously dubbed the "Duel in the Sun".
"It was a time of my career when I was not playing the best and I had the opportunity to play the last two rounds with the greatest player in the game, Jack Nicklaus," he added.
"When we walked off the green, it sticks in my mind, he grabbed me by the neck and he said: 'Tom, I gave you my best shot, but it wasn't good enough, congratulations.'
"And I said to myself, if I can beat the best in the game I can play with the big boys."
