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The Loop

Watson's paean to those on the back nine

July 24, 2009

Tom Watson's bid to win the British Open at 59 apparently has animated those who have made the turn in life, renewing their hope that whatever quality golf of which they were capable isn't entirely behind them.

The Evening Telegraph in Peterborough, England, for instance, says in this story that "Watson's heroics proved once and for all that age is no bar to success in this game."

It certainly is less of an obstacle with modern equipment, as the story indicates in an interview with Myers Tenneson, a long-time member at Milton Golf Club in Peterborough.

"I am now 90 years old and can still hit a ball more than 200 yards from the tee, which is just as far as I used to manage back in my prime with the old-style clubs," Tenneson said.

Watson no doubt can relate. Read Golf Digest equipment editor Mike Stachura's insightful analysis on how technology has helped Watson's game retain much of its youthfulness and you'll better understand how a nonagenarian can still claim 200 yards from his driver.

-- John Strege