Ailsa's 18th renamed after Duel in the Sun

By Marvin Collins and Mike Aitken
Courtesy of The Scotsman

THE 18th hole at Turnberry is to be renamed the Duel in the Sun to commemorate the epic battle between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus over the Ailsa course at the 1977 Open.

In one of golf's greatest contests, the pair matched each other stroke for stroke before Watson prevailed in an enthralling finale. The two legends will reprise their duel over the Ayrshire course this week when they contest the British Seniors Open from Thursday, and both will be at Turnberry tomorrow when Jack McConnell, the First Minister, unveils a plaque renaming the hole.

Watson, 53, goes into the Seniors Open on the back of a rich vein of form, but still looking for an improved swing to win his first tournament of the season. The five-time Open champion, who carded 69 for 290 and a share of 18th place at Sandwich on Sunday, felt as if he'd just gone 15 rounds with Lennox Lewis by the time he'd staggered off the course at Royal St George's. Watson, 53, wasn't altogether at ease with his swing but took consolation from the manner in which he holed out. "I'm not sure I would have made the cut unless I'd putted well," he noted.

On a run of major championship golf - he was 17th in the Senior PGA, second at the US Senior Open and second at the Senior Players Championship - Watson is also delighted with his performances in what he calls the 'kids' majors. After finishing 28th at the US Open (where he started with a 65) and performing with plenty of distinction at Sandwich, Watson left for Ayrshire in good heart.

The American was not willing to assess his chances of winning at Turnberry until he evaluates his game in practice but since the course offers a slightly gentler test than Sandwich, Watson is hopeful he can compete.