It was near dark on Friday evening when Tom Watson strided out of the gloaming and into our view. He hit his teeshot on 18 and walked up to the revered Swilcan Bridge bent over and kissed it. That was his way of paying final respects to an event, a course, a country and a people he loves so much. It was one of those rare life experiences when you say to yourself "I'm grateful I was there." I saw Arnie then Jack take their strolls up 18 in The Open years ago on TV but being there in the flesh was surreal.
Following Tom up 18, I was moved by the genuine love the Scots have for Tom, the golfer and the man. Over the years, I knew something of this love affair but when a chorus of "we luv you, Tom" echoed off Rusacks and the other buildings that align the 18th, I was tingling. At that moment, I looked over to my left and there was a slight old-aged Scottish woman crying. Now that's a golf fan! You see, Tom is their adopted one from "the states." And he accepted their adoption with continued grace and warmth.
On the 18th green watching this spectacle was Tiger Woods and his group. Lately, Tom and Tiger are not the best of buds. But on this special night in St. Andrews even Tiger was visibly moved. In fact, with light fading fast, in a magnanimous gesture, Tiger waved Tom's group up and to finish the hole before dark...in front of Tom's assembled fans. Perhaps a bridge was rebuilt then.
Tom's tee ball was just short of the green. He pitched his ball off a tight lie to a tight front pin that damn near went in the hole for a final birdie. Settled for par. Un-donned his cap, looked over to all of us, grinned that wide toothless smile and then mouthed "thank you." Then winked and mouthed..."I'll be back."
We all thanked him in return.
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