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Senior Moments: A Putt For The Ages

By Frank Luna

Finishing his first round at the US Senior Open Tom Watson found himself grinding over a 35 foot birdie putt.

The fact that he was 4 under and leading the field by a stroke didn't even enter his mind.

No, it was early on in the first round and not even half the field had teed off.

"I really wanted to make that putt!" Tom exclaimed at the media center press conference.

Why the grind so early in play? The 65-year-old 5 time British Open Champion had his reason why this particular putt was worth the extra attention.

You see, the USGA course set up at Del Paso Country Club is playing as a par 70 this week and a respectable 2 putt par from 35 feet away would be welcomed by any player on the course, except Tom Watson.

Dropping that birdie putt would give him a 5 under 65, a two shot lead and the first time he would have shot his age at a USGA Championship.

He missed it by a half a cup to the left. Not a bad 66 Tom!

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