The Inward Nine With Jack

The Golden Bear answers 9 questions about Tom Watson's
historic performance after three rounds of the 2009 British Open

1. How much of the telecast did you watch today?

JACK: I watched quite a bit, actually. I watched most of the front nine and all of the back nine. I did manage to play some tennis before it and in between some holes.

2. And when Tom Watson, at the age of 59, walked off the 18th hole today, the leader after three rounds of the 2009 British Open?

JACK: Like everybody else--including Tom--I had some tears in my eyes.

3. Have you had a chance to talk to Tom yet?

JACK: No, but just a few minutes ago, Barbara sent to Tom my very first text, ever. Barbara has been texting him all week, but that was my first.

4. And it said?

JACK: That is just something between the two of us. He'll have to tell you. (smile)

5. How does Tom deal with the lead overnight and into tomorrow, even though he's been there many times?

JACK: I think he will deal with it; he'll deal with it fine. Whether or not Tom plays well tomorrow, whether or not he wins, it doesn't make a difference. Of course, we would all love to see Tom win, but what he has accomplished already is a phenomenal achievement.

6. Does experience outweigh age?

JACK: Oh yeah, especially in his case. Absolutely. Not many people at his age can take the swing he has. He has always had such a beautiful, full turn and it hasn't changed. This week, he has also made the putts when he's had to make them. How many times in the last two days has he dropped behind only to come back? He drove the ball beautifully today; he's hit some great golf shots and he's making putts when needed. The thing Tom will realize is that this golf course is not very easy. No matter what every body else does tomorrow, they will make mistakes. He will, too. And he knows that. The key for him is to just not let the mistakes multiply or manifest themselves into a bad hole. If Tom plays smart golf tomorrow, he is the favorite. And l do not anticipate him playing anything but smart golf.

7. You have talked in the past, particularly as you were competing in your last major championships, about nerves versus nerve. Can you elaborate?

JACK: We all have nerves. But your nerve needs to overcome your nerves. That means you have to be nervy enough to do the things you have to do to overcome nerves. That's what competition is all about. Tom does a good job at that.

8. Tom has mentioned several times about a "spiritual" nature surrounding Turnberry. In the years since your duel in 1977, and as your friendship has grown to the close relationship you enjoy today, has he ever mentioned this to you or explained this you?

JACK: To him, it's just a very spiritual and special place.

9. Tom has said that he has had a "game plan" for the final 36 holes. I know this is a question only Tom can really answer, but as someone who has epitomized game and course management, can you speculate what might be some of the aspects of that game plan?

JACK: I imagine his game plan is rather simple: hit the ball solidly; play well within yourself; fairways and greens; don't short-side yourself; and don't put yourself in a position where you can't play. It is going to take constant, constant concentration and discipline. Tom hasn't made that mistake.

He made one mistake today at 5, when he hit it in the right bunker and short-sided himself, but he made a 20-footer to make up for it. Then, he short-sided himself at 12. That might have been the key to the round. He missed a short putt at 12, but then turned around on the next hole, had another short putt to lose another stroke, and he made it. And then he made a putt at 14, also. He didn't play 15 his best, but all of a sudden, at 16 he played smartly and the ball went into the hole. Those aren't putts you're supposed to make--and he knows that--but it went in the hole. Then he played 17 and 18, beautifully, very smart.

I just really hope he wins. I know Barbara and I will be rooting hard for him.