My favourite Tom Watson moment was when he had just won another Open Championship at Royal Troon holding aloft a 'Scotland The Brave ' woollen scarf with the biggest smile on his face ...EVER ! Scotland and Tom Watson have this wonderful mutual respect for each other and was a joy to behold in his prime ....Haste ye back ,Tom .
Watson is a human. He has all the flaws that a human has. He got alcohol under control. He’s fought his demons like all of us but, you cannot deny flaws and all that he is not a great champion of majors , prolific on the tour and we could go on. Watson is genuine, like what he’s says or not. I cried in his last close call with The Open at St Andrews losing to Stewart Cink I believe. Cried my eyes out. I hold him in high esteem and think another great interview Matt.
Wow didn’t know he hated Obama but, while I voted for Obama I have to admit he was a difficult president to like at times. That said the republicans made it there mission to completely sabatoge his every move. It started earlier but, both the republicans and democrats take blame for ineffectual leadership. The republicans now exemplify ineffectual leadership
Big introduction listing Watson’s accomplishments -missing my favorite. He was leading the Open championship on the final round at 59 years old! For me -if he had done it the greatest sports accomplishment of modern times!
Huge Watson fan here. I am of similar age so I remember his career from the beginning. In 1982 he came to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach nearly desperate to win. He had blown a lead at Medinah 10 minutes from my house and picked up a choker label. I was able to play Pebble Beach in early April of that year just 6 weeks before the Tournament. I watched the final round in Cape May NJ with a huge group of golfing friends. People sitting everywhere hanging on every shot. He wins as we all know, looks into the camera and says Happy Father’s Day Dad. I will never forget it.
I am a lifelong golfer and a huge fan. The two saddest things I ever watched were Tom Watson making bogey on the 18th hole of the 2009 (I believe) Open championship and the 1979 Masters when Ed Sneed bogeyed the last three holes and then lost a playoff to Fuzzy Zoeller. I followed Ed Sneed at the Western Open in Chicago a few years later and I was impressed with what a likable and courteous golfer he was. Watson had already won 8 majors but my heart broke for Ed Sneed's misfortune.
Highest respect for Tom. He treated his golf caddy, Bruce Edwards like a brother, and it always showed he loved the guy. It was sad Bruce got ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, which he died from. I believe that he treated people well. I bet Jack would have won more tournaments if Watson wasn’t out on the tour.
This is one of the great golf interviews I've seen from a thoroughly researched interviewer. I enjoyed it so much. Great stories from Tom Watson, one of the all-time greats.
One of the true gentlemen in not only golf but in life. Tom has provided many great memories to the golfing world along with all the other greats from his era.
I walked a course in PEI Canada (Dundarave) with Jack and Tom about 18 years ago. You could not ask for better guys to represent the game of golf. They talk to each other and talked to the people following them. I will remember it for the reset of my days,,,,,,thanks guys.
If there is a golfer whose esteem has continuously risen over the years, it’s the talented and classy Tom Watson. He epitomizes what it means to be a champion golfer. He’d be in my Dream Foursome.
Hell of a golfer indeed! One of the best ‘A’ games in history and one of only a handful of men when no weaknesses in his game. Trevino got Nicklaus 3 times in majors but Watson did it 4 times! He opened up everyone’s thinking when he was only 6 feet from another Claret Jug at 60 years old …..his personal battles only made him more human and endearing …..as time goes on, people are realising how amazing 8 majors/ 70 pro wins is as a record. So glad The Masters are recognising him again and this young generation get to appreciate Mr Watson. God Bless
I saw Tom Watson play just before he won his first tournament,The Western Open i think.But just that time I saw him swing It got home and told my Dad that he was The Man.And he sure didn't let me down. David Graham was playing that day to and impressed me.too.It was at The World Open at Pinehurst early 70s
Tom has been my favourite golfer since I became interested in the game. My Wife and I followed him and Jack Nicklaus around St Andrews in a practice round during The Open in the ‘80’s, the year he lost to Seve. They were two gentlemen, acknowledging the gallery, a few wise cracks, happy to sign autographs. They recognised it was the paying public who at that time made a major contribution to the prize money they played for, in the days before Sky and LIV throwing stupid money at petulant modern pro’s. I saw Tom again a few years back at Carnoustie in the Seniors Open. We were standing near where his drive landed, the only people near. As he walked to his ball, Tom gave us a little nod. Just a wonderful example of the best of humanity.
Let’s get back to what is important. We love him in Scotland just like Jack and hope he is at Royal Troon later this year at time of The Open . I have seen him play many times in Scotland and listened to him talk to people. More than a great golfer but a great man.
IMO, in comparison to the other legendary major winners of our game, I think Tom doesn't get mentioned as much as those champions for his phenomenal achievements. I feel he is slept on in that regard. 8 major wins in arguably the most toughest era for winning majors as the depth of field for major winning golfers at the time was super high. Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Trevino, Seve, just to mention a few. An absolute gentleman!
Tom looks so good physically these days.. if you didn't know how old he was and didn't know him perse.. you could think he was maybe around 55 years old.. ..his body generally is so athletic for his age. ..he was such a gracious loser on the occasions he did not win big tournaments.. looking at him in this interview he just looks so young for his actual age. Golf today needs personalities like Tom and Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer... they played the game as it should be played... as of course did Byron Nelson.. Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.
Even though he didn't win I still think a. player two months shy of 60 y.o. taking The Open into a playoff is one of if not the best showings of an athlete ever in the history of sports !
Down the fairway that tom mentioned was o. B. Keeler about Bobby jones, a great read. Bobby was always nervous or keyed up and he welcomed it because he played well when he was. Always a fast player Bobby learned when he got to the green he would pick up a twig or grass anything just to slow him down and to breathe slowly. Thirteen majors retired at 28 and had the only calendar grand slam. From 1923 through 1930 bobby won forty one percent of his tournaments. Byron Nelson retired young too, age thirty two, he won eighteen tournaments eleven in a row, the next year after winning his first six tournaments writers were wondering who could beat him, Nelson answered them by retiring and buying a farm. Ben Hogan did play in twelve of those tournaments and snead played in all of them, byron played against ben and sam in byrons six wins before he retired. Would've been interesting had byron not retired.
Im surprised at all the ugly comments. Ive known Watson since ‘79 and he’s a gentleman unrivaled. He might not be a perfect human being but he’s pretty close. Give him a break.
I have so much respect for Tom. I grew up watching him. Once I saw him at dubs dread, in Chicago, alone on the range and I was in awe. And I know he struggled with things and helped David Fehrety. But I also heard he was responsible for getting McCord fired from the Masters. What I’ve heard seems to be true and it seems that this was just a bad time in Tom’s life. It will be a sad spot with me till I hear otherwise.
Tom is a straight talking midwesterner. A no bs kinda guy. He is empathetic as you’ve stated (helped Feherty with his struggle with alcohol). He also calls out jerks (Tiger Woods’ on course behavior - swearing, club throwing). Gary McCord referring to fast greens at Augusta being coated with bikini wax. Look at all the jerks on TV swearing and talking loosely and offensively to people. Tom has standards and he doesn’t suffer fools.
@@jherl8307 I mostly agree, but you didn’t state all the facts. Watson could have went to Gary first, but didn’t. Gary was commentating on the speed of the greens and said it was like being bekini waxed. Augusta only fired Gary because of Tom’s handwritten letter. My guess was that he was in a bad mood, maybe drunk and it cost Gary a valuable job. But Gary said he benefited more because of it. But still a low point in my respect for Watson.
@@wayneriley7367 in Tom Watson‘s world a jerk is a jerk. Gary McCord is not a child he’s an adult man. He is well known as a smart ass. He made his bed with his wise guy remark and Tom took it that McCord was disrespecting Augusta National (A venerable shrine to Bob Jones and golf in general). Tom didn’t feel a need to coddle a grown man that is supposed to know better. Gary McCord was never guaranteed a lifetime position as an announcer at the Masters. When people screw up at their jobs often times they get fired and that’s what happened here.. Simple.
@@wayneriley7367 I feel sorry for Gary getting fired but he brought it on himself. Tom did the right thing. If you don’t nip this stuff in the bud it just gets worse and worse. You’d probably have Gary saying revolting things like the first 3 rounds have been some serious fore play.
Gee, I am glad Tom got him back to talking about golf. I thought for a while this was just going to be a conversation about Tom's health and what he is doing with his retirement. Not a good interviewer. It might have gotten better but the first five minutes was so bad I left at that part.
Hogan was in the field for twelve of Nelson's wins and Snead was there for all of them. Nelson won his first six tournaments in 1946 and retired so no nothing is really settled fact is Nelson won more than Hogan did with Hogan in the field. His retirement after six tournaments in 1946 helped Hogan.
Tiger has richly deserved the criticism he has gotten from Tom. Golf is a game for ladies and gentlemen and not for barbarians. And it’s a sorry state seeing players emulating Tiger, spitting his barbaric spits of distain, along with frustratingly using F word loudly for all to hear. I’d rather play ping pong than play with someone who doesn’t know how to behave like a gentleman. If Tiger can complain about the N word, and so he should, then surely gentleman are entitled to ask others to refrain from the F word. However isn’t it good to see Tiger amending his ways and returning to the gentleman he used to be. But without Tom’s wise reproving would this have happened.
A different perspective...hear me out. I come in peace and with something thoughtful for you. I'm not going to come at you....I'm not like that. I like your post. But I wanted to say something else about all this stuff. Tom doesn't stand on higher moral ground than Tiger. Maybe one day when everything after we pass becomes clear, you'll see what I mean. Nobody does. Tom comes at people. Tiger doesn't. TOM SHOULDN'T. Tiger isn't the monster you think he is. And Tom is well.....Tom is okay. I doubt you'd LOVE his personality. Not many did. He doesn't care nor should he. But keep your mind in reality. They both are good as you but no better at life. PErsonally, I'd rather hang around Tiger than Tom .....But the narritive doens't suggest that would be the case so I understand why most are so sure they have it figured out. Im not gonna say you're wrong. Its your opinion. But it's based on a fantasy created by consuming the product. Nothing wrong of you but it's not how you truly get to know someone. Tom is NOT PERFECT. lol.....NOPE. Tiger could go there. He doesn't . He wouldn't. He doesn't even care to or consdier it cause he's actually more grounded. Love yourself and those you REALLY know. Those are your heros. Don't allow Tom to own you. Just think of Tom as another dude. That's all he is. GREAT former golfer. Move on with your judgments after that. And make some great judgments on those you love based on REAL info and lots of TIME spent with. you don't know tom. And you don't know tiger. And i didn't expect you to. I don't know you. they don't know you. and it's not expected that we would. you're too smart (I can tell just from your post) to get sucked in to the narritve. Take a deep breath...stand back and ask yourself ....do i REALLY know what I'm saying about these guys? Would I bet my life that I'm right? If no, then you can't judge them with certainty. I covered these guys EVERY FREAKIN WEEK FROM 1991- 2000 (and after but not up close like before). Paul, be a great Paul. Im sure you are. These guys are regular folks. Sinners like you and me. Great guys like you and me. Don't get caught up in the story line. Watch the golf and keep it light. You're probably doing wonderful things that they may not be (at any given moment) and vice versa applies. Make sense? I'm not coming "AT YOU" with this post. I hope you understand that. I just wanted to give you some reality perspective. I suspect you understand what I'm saying. I truly belive you do. Bye.
@@alexlindsey6446 Hey buddy I do appreciate the tone of your post. It’s very gracious. Very nice. I particularly like the way you say what you are saying. It’s a nice way to have a dinners conversation without getting indigestion. But perhaps you might have misunderstood me a wee bit. Firstly I agree with you that Tom doesn’t stand on higher moral ground than Tiger. He’s not doing this. And to be fair I don’t think Tom is coming across as holier than thou and he shouldn’t be seen this way for reproving Tiger who was in much need of reproving. Yes Tom can be the kind of guy that comes at people. But it’s only people who need it. Tiger doesn’t come at people and neither does Jack but that doesn’t change the fact that what Tom did was the right thing to do. If we get out of line we need to be told off. A man once said to me that I was blowing my own trumpet. Instead of being offended I loved the guy for it. It had a good correctional effect upon me. But that’s me. I want to improve. But can Tiger say he loves Tom because of being corrected. I hope he can. Can he tell others about this appreciative love that I’m telling you about. That’s the wise way to behave instead of sweeping it under the carpet and pretending it doesn’t exist. And people love you for it for being real. It’s good to talk about our mistakes and get them out on the open. It’s called being real instead of unreal. Nobody is suggesting that Tiger is a monster. I don’t know why you are saying this. Yes I would love Tom as a guy. I happen to love people of all different shapes and sizes. I’m a lover of people. We have to let people off the proverbial hook don’t we. If Tom isn’t the kind of guy that hugs and kisses everyone, and if you’d prefer it if he was, then you don’t hold that against him do you. Or with Tiger getting caught with his fingers in the cookie jar in prostitute city, we have to let that go too don’t we. Tiger paid a huge price for that. He realised that the greats of the game did not admire that behaviour and knowing this, it mangled his belief that he could win more majors than Jack. Steve Williams his caddy said that Tiger would have surpassed Jack’s record if that debacle hadn’t of happened in his life. Golf teaches many things but it also teaches us to love one another doesnt it. Some learn this lesson while others don’t. Forgive, forget, move on. Tom isn’t holding anything against Tiger. If you think so you are sadly mistaken. He’s not that kind of guy. We have all done things we are ashamed of. But that’s life isn’t it. I don’t want to hang out with Tom or Tiger. They don’t need me and hey I’ve got a life, I don’t need them. No disrespect intended. No I don’t think that the imperfections in Tom’s life need to be reproved, as was Tiger’s by Tom. It’s good you are a Tiger supporter but don’t let that distract you from what’s real. Tiger needed to be reproved. That’s it, cut and dried. No Tom doesn’t own me. He’s just another guy that’s done alright at Golf who conducts himself well thats worthy of much respect. Is he perfect? I’m guessing he’d be the first one to say he’s certainly not perfection personified. However he has conducted himself in an exemplary way, and that’s all we are talking about here. Jack has done the same thing and so have plenty of other men. Hey I’m all for keeping it light. I agree with you on that count 100%. But because of the injustice of those derogatory comments about Tom, and they are unjust, I couldn’t stand by and simply let it go. I’m a Tiger fan buddy but believe me, if I was Tom Watson, I would have done exactly the same thing and called Tiger out. Would I have enjoyed it. No. Resoundingly no. Did Tom enjoy it. No. No way. But he did what needed to be done. Try and see it this way and move on.
ehhhhhh......he's a good guy. he's not a better guy that you are I'd guess (without even knowing you). I'd advise to do your own "thing" and not let your mind convince itself that Tom is so great. He's a dude. I've covered Tom. He'd help you out of a ditch. But let's not get too carried away....Tom is Tom. Really good golfer....Wild off the tee but man can he score! WHEW...I've seen him woop some ass on practice rounds OR when it's WINDY OUT. Something that people don't know....when it get 30mph and half the PGA tour field shoots 76- 79 or worse for a given tournament round....Tom usually shoots 67 on those days. NO JOKE. EVERY TIME. what is that? I HAVE NO IDEA OTHER THAN HE'S GREAT. Later on though in his career the weekends gave him fits...couldn't keep the putter from acting up. But he could get super hot on Thursday and Fridays of say "The Motorola Western Open" One thing in closing, BRUCE WAS THE MAN. TOM is spot on. BRUCE WAS SO COOL.
Watson was a great player, no doubt. But these interviews would be a lot more interesting if you actually asked some probing questions instead of just telling your interviewees how wonderful they are.
Agree but I mean Matt is not in a position to do that just yet....) I was thinking this too but I caught myself....he was probably SHOCKED and THRILLED to get this A-list guest on the show.....it's a balancing act when he may have "wanted" to go there ideallly but with 7k subscribers and tring to build a channel is it such a great idea to ask some tough questions? He may have been scared or better stated "cautious" in this regard. Which in turn means Matt has good common sense and consideration for both himself and Tom Watson.
Charles, hopefully you are good at what you do for your life, but being a negative keyboard warrior has no place here. Get over yourself and go read a book.
@@GaryAlex-o1h Offering constructive criticism has nothing to do with keyboard warriors. People who are only open to positive feedback generally don’t improve. If building an interesting channel is the aim, this interview didn’t make the most of the opportunity.
There’s no debate about how great Tom Watson’s golf career has been. Unfortunately, accusing Gary Player of being a cheat has for me tarnished his reputation, and I believe that Tom should be removed from the World Golf Hall of Fame for ever. He did apologise for making that statement, but I don’t believe that warrants a pardon. Gary Player may not be the most popular golfing legend there’s ever been, but to falsely accuse him of cheating is disgraceful, especially for everything that Gary has done for golf around the world!
you are smart. you are also correct. keep on the way you are. you see reality well. its tough with those that dont't yet are SO CERTAIN they do and that we are missing something.....don't worry...Tom knows we exist and he stears clear....Tom is an A+ golfer and an average person (in how he treats others). He's not always so great to be honest. I've covered the tour when he was in his 40's .....he's got a good amount of narcissism in his DNA. it's tought to shake...it becomes part of ones personality and things start as bad habbits and then become etched in the personality. he's not full blown in my view but he fights it. He's got that D.BAG gene it's like cancer. I think Tom knows this though...he fights himself. Gotta give him props for that. he's no the symbol of strength and noble character many buy into. He's just another dude when he's not golfing. Most of us proably beat him at non-golf life things on many days. Blows my mind how we prop up great athletes. It's consummerism at it's worst.
You are incorrectly viewing him as condescending because he speaks with the authority of one who knows what he is talking about and I, like many others, like that. But those who don’t like this regrettably have issues of self worth. They feel put down when they shouldn’t.
@@solenvy It’s true that some are arrogant but we must be careful to differentiate between arrogance and outspokenness. There is clearly a difference. For instance I am particularly outspoken on the subject pornography. I’m strongly against it. But those who choose to interpret my outspokenness as arrogance are misinterpreting me. And there are some who do misinterpret me and think I am arrogant, whereas nothing could be further from the truth. Do you see what I’m saying. Tom is outspoken but he’s not arrogant. And the same applies to being condescending. Yes some are this way but he isn’t. It’s a perception thing. I see none of this in him.
Tom is all over the place personally----great competitor, loved the game, miserable drunk, obnoxious know it all, personal integrity, hypocrite( chastising Tiger publicly while his own marriage fell apart) and, of course, supporting Dear Leader, everything Tom wasn't as a golfer.
To critique Tom is to criticise all the greats of the game who have conducted themselves in an equally exemplary manner, on and off the golf course. He cannot be faulted and nor should he be. Those who unjustly slander great players are just small little people hiding in the shadows. Perhaps they even graffiti sub way walls at night. You should be ashamed of yourself for your hideous comments.
He was my favorite golfer for 25 years and ironically it was when HE went public with criticism of Tiger, mocking Obama befriending hate monger Rush Limbaugh that I became aware of another side of Tom-----the idea that there are some that cannot be faulted is ........interesting@@paulwilfridhunt
maybe I am biased because I live in the UK and love links BUT 5 opens in the modern era makes this fine man the best modern golfer imho (and damn that gust of wind in 2009)
Had the pleasure of meeting him. He was so incredibly nice to my 2 young sons, during a senior tournament. Always liked the way he carried himself.
My favourite Tom Watson moment was when he had just won another Open Championship at Royal Troon holding aloft a 'Scotland The Brave ' woollen scarf with the biggest smile on his face ...EVER ! Scotland and Tom Watson have this wonderful mutual respect for each other and was a joy to behold in his prime ....Haste ye back ,Tom .
Watson is a human. He has all the flaws that a human has. He got alcohol under control. He’s fought his demons like all of us but, you cannot deny flaws and all that he is not a great champion of majors , prolific on the tour and we could go on. Watson is genuine, like what he’s says or not. I cried in his last close call with The Open at St Andrews losing to Stewart Cink I believe. Cried my eyes out. I hold him in high esteem and think another great interview Matt.
My wife and I were on the edge of our seats when he lost to Cink. We were equally sad. His irrational hatred for Obama is when my respect died.
Wow didn’t know he hated Obama but, while I voted for Obama I have to admit he was a difficult president to like at times. That said the republicans made it there mission to completely sabatoge his every move.
It started earlier but, both the republicans and democrats take blame for ineffectual leadership. The republicans now exemplify ineffectual leadership
Pretty good major player at the Open
@@solenvy So you disrespect someone with a different belief or view than yours? Says alot about you more than Watson.
@@brentboswell7972 And you just told us about yourself. Thank you.
Big introduction listing Watson’s accomplishments -missing my favorite. He was leading the Open championship on the final round at 59 years old! For me -if he had done it the greatest sports accomplishment of modern times!
My dad and I were watching that in a bar drinking beers, broke our heart. 59 years old links player just taking it to them.
Huge Watson fan here. I am of similar age so I remember his career from the beginning. In 1982 he came to the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach nearly desperate to win. He had blown a lead at Medinah 10 minutes from my house and picked up a choker label. I was able to play Pebble Beach in early April of that year just 6 weeks before the Tournament. I watched the final round in Cape May NJ with a huge group of golfing friends. People sitting everywhere hanging on every shot. He wins as we all know, looks into the camera and says Happy Father’s Day Dad. I will never forget it.
Mr Watson you created a lifetime golfer out of me
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this 🙏🏌♂️
same here
I was on the 18th hole at Turnbury in 77…What Tom said brought back memories… Arguably the greatest tournament ever played!!!👍👍
Tom is pure class…the highest of integrity.
I am a lifelong golfer and a huge fan. The two saddest things I ever watched were Tom Watson making bogey on the 18th hole of the 2009 (I believe) Open championship and the 1979 Masters when Ed Sneed bogeyed the last three holes and then lost a playoff to Fuzzy Zoeller. I followed Ed Sneed at the Western Open in Chicago a few years later and I was impressed with what a likable and courteous golfer he was. Watson had already won 8 majors but my heart broke for Ed Sneed's misfortune.
Class from A to Z. Loved watching him play because of the way he played, just an amazing talent! God Bless Mr.Watson!
He is one of my favorite golfers.
Highest respect for Tom. He treated his golf caddy, Bruce Edwards like a brother, and it always showed he loved the guy. It was sad Bruce got ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, which he died from. I believe that he treated people well. I bet Jack would have won more tournaments if Watson wasn’t out on the tour.
This is one of the great golf interviews I've seen from a thoroughly researched interviewer. I enjoyed it so much. Great stories from Tom Watson, one of the all-time greats.
One of the true gentlemen in not only golf but in life. Tom has provided many great memories to the golfing world along with all the other greats from his era.
I walked a course in PEI Canada (Dundarave) with Jack and Tom about 18 years ago. You could not ask for better guys to represent the game of golf. They talk to each other and talked to the people following them. I will remember it for the reset of my days,,,,,,thanks guys.
If there is a golfer whose esteem has continuously risen over the years, it’s the talented and classy Tom Watson. He epitomizes what it means to be a champion golfer. He’d be in my Dream Foursome.
I have a spot open, so far me, Tom, Freddie. Probably Feherty after that. Not looking for all time, just who I would want to play with.
couldn't agree more
Hell of a golfer indeed! One of the best ‘A’ games in history and one of only a handful of men when no weaknesses in his game. Trevino got Nicklaus 3 times in majors but Watson did it 4 times! He opened up everyone’s thinking when he was only 6 feet from another Claret Jug at 60 years old …..his personal battles only made him more human and endearing …..as time goes on, people are realising how amazing 8 majors/ 70 pro wins is as a record. So glad The Masters are recognising him again and this young generation get to appreciate Mr Watson. God Bless
Everyone is compared to Nicklaus. Therefore....
@@TomKirkman1 therefore what?
I saw Tom Watson play just before he won his first tournament,The Western Open i think.But just that time I saw him swing It got home and told my Dad that he was The Man.And he sure didn't let me down.
David Graham was playing that day to and impressed me.too.It was at The World Open at Pinehurst early 70s
This is the future of golf media...no more money talk!!
True role model!
One of the few legends that took care of his health... along with The Black KNight.... nice to see. Big fan of healthly pro golfer
Learning from the IMPORTANT PEOPLE THAT ACTUALLY CARE TO TEACH!!
Tom has been my favourite golfer since I became interested in the game. My Wife and I followed him and Jack Nicklaus around St Andrews in a practice round during The Open in the ‘80’s, the year he lost to Seve. They were two gentlemen, acknowledging the gallery, a few wise cracks, happy to sign autographs. They recognised it was the paying public who at that time made a major contribution to the prize money they played for, in the days before Sky and LIV throwing stupid money at petulant modern pro’s. I saw Tom again a few years back at Carnoustie in the Seniors Open. We were standing near where his drive landed, the only people near. As he walked to his ball, Tom gave us a little nod. Just a wonderful example of the best of humanity.
Let’s get back to what is important. We love him in Scotland just like Jack and hope he is at Royal Troon later this year at time of The Open . I have seen him play many times in Scotland and listened to him talk to people. More than a great golfer but a great man.
Heard you Scots took a shine to the Wee Ice Mon as well.
IMO, in comparison to the other legendary major winners of our game, I think Tom doesn't get mentioned as much as those champions for his phenomenal achievements. I feel he is slept on in that regard. 8 major wins in arguably the most toughest era for winning majors as the depth of field for major winning golfers at the time was super high. Nicklaus, Palmer, Player, Trevino, Seve, just to mention a few. An absolute gentleman!
Tom looks so good physically these days.. if you didn't know how old he was and didn't know him perse.. you could think he was maybe around 55 years old.. ..his body generally is so athletic for his age. ..he was such a gracious loser on the occasions he did not win big tournaments.. looking at him in this interview he just looks so young for his actual age.
Golf today needs personalities like Tom and Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer... they played the game as it should be played... as of course did Byron Nelson.. Sam Snead and Ben Hogan.
Even though he didn't win I still think a. player two months shy of 60 y.o. taking The Open into a playoff is one of if not the best showings of an athlete ever in the history of sports !
Finally the real original tw MR. Tom Watson
Johnny Miller said he hated playing with Watson because he (=Watson) could score from anywhere. I am a huge fan of this great man.
Wow, fabulous!!
Down the fairway that tom mentioned was o. B. Keeler about Bobby jones, a great read. Bobby was always nervous or keyed up and he welcomed it because he played well when he was. Always a fast player Bobby learned when he got to the green he would pick up a twig or grass anything just to slow him down and to breathe slowly. Thirteen majors retired at 28 and had the only calendar grand slam. From 1923 through 1930 bobby won forty one percent of his tournaments. Byron Nelson retired young too, age thirty two, he won eighteen tournaments eleven in a row, the next year after winning his first six tournaments writers were wondering who could beat him, Nelson answered them by retiring and buying a farm. Ben Hogan did play in twelve of those tournaments and snead played in all of them, byron played against ben and sam in byrons six wins before he retired. Would've been interesting had byron not retired.
Im surprised at all the ugly comments. Ive known Watson since ‘79 and he’s a gentleman unrivaled. He might not be a perfect human being but he’s pretty close. Give him a break.
My three favorite Golfers Mr B.Nelson Arnold Palmer and Ernie Els. All real Men
I have so much respect for Tom. I grew up watching him. Once I saw him at dubs dread, in Chicago, alone on the range and I was in awe. And I know he struggled with things and helped David Fehrety. But I also heard he was responsible for getting McCord fired from the Masters. What I’ve heard seems to be true and it seems that this was just a bad time in Tom’s life. It will be a sad spot with me till I hear otherwise.
Tom is a straight talking midwesterner. A no bs kinda guy. He is empathetic as you’ve stated (helped Feherty with his struggle with alcohol). He also calls out jerks (Tiger Woods’ on course behavior - swearing, club throwing). Gary McCord referring to fast greens at Augusta being coated with bikini wax. Look at all the jerks on TV swearing and talking loosely and offensively to people. Tom has standards and he doesn’t suffer fools.
@@jherl8307 I mostly agree, but you didn’t state all the facts. Watson could have went to Gary first, but didn’t. Gary was commentating on the speed of the greens and said it was like being bekini waxed. Augusta only fired Gary because of Tom’s handwritten letter. My guess was that he was in a bad mood, maybe drunk and it cost Gary a valuable job. But Gary said he benefited more because of it. But still a low point in my respect for Watson.
@@wayneriley7367 in Tom Watson‘s world a jerk is a jerk. Gary McCord is not a child he’s an adult man. He is well known as a smart ass. He made his bed with his wise guy remark and Tom took it that McCord was disrespecting Augusta National (A venerable shrine to Bob Jones and golf in general). Tom didn’t feel a need to coddle a grown man that is supposed to know better. Gary McCord was never guaranteed a lifetime position as an announcer at the Masters. When people screw up at their jobs often times they get fired and that’s what happened here.. Simple.
@@wayneriley7367 I feel sorry for Gary getting fired but he brought it on himself. Tom did the right thing. If you don’t nip this stuff in the bud it just gets worse and worse. You’d probably have Gary saying revolting things like the first 3 rounds have been some serious fore play.
@@jherl8307 Gary is a good commentator but if he’s honest with himself he’ll admit there are far better such as Ian Baker-Finch.
Gee, I am glad Tom got him back to talking about golf. I thought for a while this was just going to be a conversation about Tom's health and what he is doing with his retirement. Not a good interviewer.
It might have gotten better but the first five minutes was so bad I left at that part.
A good guy with a sweet swing.
I wonder how well Tom’s father played golf. Does anyone know?
Hi Tom , I hope all is well, problems cleared up after 35 years of nonsense. Regards Scott Dowding 😊
Byron may have won 18 in 1945 but Hogan was in the service then and wasn’t in the field. In 46 Hogan came back and settled who was the better player.
Hogan was in the field for twelve of Nelson's wins and Snead was there for all of them. Nelson won his first six tournaments in 1946 and retired so no nothing is really settled fact is Nelson won more than Hogan did with Hogan in the field. His retirement after six tournaments in 1946 helped Hogan.
good man tom
Tom, Jack, Arnold, Gary......did you ever see them spit on a golf course?......
Love LIV 😉⛳️😇😊
One pro I would love to play a round with
Tiger has richly deserved the criticism he has gotten from Tom. Golf is a game for ladies and gentlemen and not for barbarians. And it’s a sorry state seeing players emulating Tiger, spitting his barbaric spits of distain, along with frustratingly using F word loudly for all to hear. I’d rather play ping pong than play with someone who doesn’t know how to behave like a gentleman. If Tiger can complain about the N word, and so he should, then surely gentleman are entitled to ask others to refrain from the F word. However isn’t it good to see Tiger amending his ways and returning to the gentleman he used to be. But without Tom’s wise reproving would this have happened.
A different perspective...hear me out. I come in peace and with something thoughtful for you. I'm not going to come at you....I'm not like that. I like your post. But I wanted to say something else about all this stuff. Tom doesn't stand on higher moral ground than Tiger. Maybe one day when everything after we pass becomes clear, you'll see what I mean. Nobody does. Tom comes at people. Tiger doesn't. TOM SHOULDN'T. Tiger isn't the monster you think he is. And Tom is well.....Tom is okay. I doubt you'd LOVE his personality. Not many did. He doesn't care nor should he. But keep your mind in reality. They both are good as you but no better at life. PErsonally, I'd rather hang around Tiger than Tom .....But the narritive doens't suggest that would be the case so I understand why most are so sure they have it figured out. Im not gonna say you're wrong. Its your opinion. But it's based on a fantasy created by consuming the product. Nothing wrong of you but it's not how you truly get to know someone. Tom is NOT PERFECT. lol.....NOPE. Tiger could go there. He doesn't . He wouldn't. He doesn't even care to or consdier it cause he's actually more grounded. Love yourself and those you REALLY know. Those are your heros. Don't allow Tom to own you. Just think of Tom as another dude. That's all he is. GREAT former golfer. Move on with your judgments after that. And make some great judgments on those you love based on REAL info and lots of TIME spent with. you don't know tom. And you don't know tiger. And i didn't expect you to. I don't know you. they don't know you. and it's not expected that we would. you're too smart (I can tell just from your post) to get sucked in to the narritve. Take a deep breath...stand back and ask yourself ....do i REALLY know what I'm saying about these guys? Would I bet my life that I'm right? If no, then you can't judge them with certainty. I covered these guys EVERY FREAKIN WEEK FROM 1991- 2000 (and after but not up close like before). Paul, be a great Paul. Im sure you are. These guys are regular folks. Sinners like you and me. Great guys like you and me. Don't get caught up in the story line. Watch the golf and keep it light. You're probably doing wonderful things that they may not be (at any given moment) and vice versa applies. Make sense? I'm not coming "AT YOU" with this post. I hope you understand that. I just wanted to give you some reality perspective. I suspect you understand what I'm saying. I truly belive you do. Bye.
@@alexlindsey6446 Hey buddy I do appreciate the tone of your post. It’s very gracious. Very nice. I particularly like the way you say what you are saying. It’s a nice way to have a dinners conversation without getting indigestion. But perhaps you might have misunderstood me a wee bit. Firstly I agree with you that Tom doesn’t stand on higher moral ground than Tiger. He’s not doing this. And to be fair I don’t think Tom is coming across as holier than thou and he shouldn’t be seen this way for reproving Tiger who was in much need of reproving. Yes Tom can be the kind of guy that comes at people. But it’s only people who need it. Tiger doesn’t come at people and neither does Jack but that doesn’t change the fact that what Tom did was the right thing to do. If we get out of line we need to be told off. A man once said to me that I was blowing my own trumpet. Instead of being offended I loved the guy for it. It had a good correctional effect upon me. But that’s me. I want to improve. But can Tiger say he loves Tom because of being corrected. I hope he can. Can he tell others about this appreciative love that I’m telling you about. That’s the wise way to behave instead of sweeping it under the carpet and pretending it doesn’t exist. And people love you for it for being real. It’s good to talk about our mistakes and get them out on the open. It’s called being real instead of unreal. Nobody is suggesting that Tiger is a monster. I don’t know why you are saying this. Yes I would love Tom as a guy. I happen to love people of all different shapes and sizes. I’m a lover of people. We have to let people off the proverbial hook don’t we. If Tom isn’t the kind of guy that hugs and kisses everyone, and if you’d prefer it if he was, then you don’t hold that against him do you. Or with Tiger getting caught with his fingers in the cookie jar in prostitute city, we have to let that go too don’t we. Tiger paid a huge price for that. He realised that the greats of the game did not admire that behaviour and knowing this, it mangled his belief that he could win more majors than Jack. Steve Williams his caddy said that Tiger would have surpassed Jack’s record if that debacle hadn’t of happened in his life. Golf teaches many things but it also teaches us to love one another doesnt it. Some learn this lesson while others don’t. Forgive, forget, move on. Tom isn’t holding anything against Tiger. If you think so you are sadly mistaken. He’s not that kind of guy. We have all done things we are ashamed of. But that’s life isn’t it. I don’t want to hang out with Tom or Tiger. They don’t need me and hey I’ve got a life, I don’t need them. No disrespect intended. No I don’t think that the imperfections in Tom’s life need to be reproved, as was Tiger’s by Tom. It’s good you are a Tiger supporter but don’t let that distract you from what’s real. Tiger needed to be reproved. That’s it, cut and dried. No Tom doesn’t own me. He’s just another guy that’s done alright at Golf who conducts himself well thats worthy of much respect. Is he perfect? I’m guessing he’d be the first one to say he’s certainly not perfection personified. However he has conducted himself in an exemplary way, and that’s all we are talking about here. Jack has done the same thing and so have plenty of other men. Hey I’m all for keeping it light. I agree with you on that count 100%. But because of the injustice of those derogatory comments about Tom, and they are unjust, I couldn’t stand by and simply let it go. I’m a Tiger fan buddy but believe me, if I was Tom Watson, I would have done exactly the same thing and called Tiger out. Would I have enjoyed it. No. Resoundingly no. Did Tom enjoy it. No. No way. But he did what needed to be done. Try and see it this way and move on.
He looks more like 60 than 74
A cut above
ehhhhhh......he's a good guy. he's not a better guy that you are I'd guess (without even knowing you). I'd advise to do your own "thing" and not let your mind convince itself that Tom is so great. He's a dude. I've covered Tom. He'd help you out of a ditch. But let's not get too carried away....Tom is Tom. Really good golfer....Wild off the tee but man can he score! WHEW...I've seen him woop some ass on practice rounds OR when it's WINDY OUT. Something that people don't know....when it get 30mph and half the PGA tour field shoots 76- 79 or worse for a given tournament round....Tom usually shoots 67 on those days. NO JOKE. EVERY TIME. what is that? I HAVE NO IDEA OTHER THAN HE'S GREAT. Later on though in his career the weekends gave him fits...couldn't keep the putter from acting up. But he could get super hot on Thursday and Fridays of say "The Motorola Western Open" One thing in closing, BRUCE WAS THE MAN. TOM is spot on. BRUCE WAS SO COOL.
Watson was a great player, no doubt. But these interviews would be a lot more interesting if you actually asked some probing questions instead of just telling your interviewees how wonderful they are.
Agree but I mean Matt is not in a position to do that just yet....) I was thinking this too but I caught myself....he was probably SHOCKED and THRILLED to get this A-list guest on the show.....it's a balancing act when he may have "wanted" to go there ideallly but with 7k subscribers and tring to build a channel is it such a great idea to ask some tough questions? He may have been scared or better stated "cautious" in this regard. Which in turn means Matt has good common sense and consideration for both himself and Tom Watson.
Charles, hopefully you are good at what you do for your life, but being a negative keyboard warrior has no place here. Get over yourself and go read a book.
@@GaryAlex-o1h Offering constructive criticism has nothing to do with keyboard warriors. People who are only open to positive feedback generally don’t improve. If building an interesting channel is the aim, this interview didn’t make the most of the opportunity.
There’s no debate about how great Tom Watson’s golf career has been.
Unfortunately, accusing Gary Player of being a cheat has for me tarnished his reputation, and I believe that Tom should be removed from the World Golf Hall of Fame for ever.
He did apologise for making that statement, but I don’t believe that warrants a pardon. Gary Player may not be the most popular golfing legend there’s ever been, but to falsely accuse him of cheating is disgraceful, especially for everything that Gary has done for golf around the world!
you are smart. you are also correct. keep on the way you are. you see reality well. its tough with those that dont't yet are SO CERTAIN they do and that we are missing something.....don't worry...Tom knows we exist and he stears clear....Tom is an A+ golfer and an average person (in how he treats others). He's not always so great to be honest. I've covered the tour when he was in his 40's .....he's got a good amount of narcissism in his DNA. it's tought to shake...it becomes part of ones personality and things start as bad habbits and then become etched in the personality. he's not full blown in my view but he fights it. He's got that D.BAG gene it's like cancer. I think Tom knows this though...he fights himself. Gotta give him props for that. he's no the symbol of strength and noble character many buy into. He's just another dude when he's not golfing. Most of us proably beat him at non-golf life things on many days. Blows my mind how we prop up great athletes. It's consummerism at it's worst.
@@alexlindsey6446 Seek help
Hmm.. I've always found Watson to seem rather condescending and arrogant. could be wrong......maybe it's just my perception of him....
No, you are right. He is arrogant.
Condescending - yes. Plus he always digs the knife into tiger when he's had his troubles
You are incorrectly viewing him as condescending because he speaks with the authority of one who knows what he is talking about and I, like many others, like that. But those who don’t like this regrettably have issues of self worth. They feel put down when they shouldn’t.
I agree with you. Great player though, can't take that away from him. True greatness is the measure of the whole man,.
@@solenvy It’s true that some are arrogant but we must be careful to differentiate between arrogance and outspokenness. There is clearly a difference. For instance I am particularly outspoken on the subject pornography. I’m strongly against it. But those who choose to interpret my outspokenness as arrogance are misinterpreting me. And there are some who do misinterpret me and think I am arrogant, whereas nothing could be further from the truth. Do you see what I’m saying. Tom is outspoken but he’s not arrogant. And the same applies to being condescending. Yes some are this way but he isn’t. It’s a perception thing. I see none of this in him.
He and Trevino cost nicklaus about 5
majors
I was once a HUGE Tom Watson fan but then I heard his ugly politics. Mean people suck.
Same with me. I think he was the one that got Gary McCord fired from CBS. Bad form!
Tom is all over the place personally----great competitor, loved the game, miserable drunk, obnoxious know it all, personal integrity, hypocrite( chastising Tiger publicly while his own marriage fell apart) and, of course, supporting Dear Leader, everything Tom wasn't as a golfer.
To critique Tom is to criticise all the greats of the game who have conducted themselves in an equally exemplary manner, on and off the golf course. He cannot be faulted and nor should he be. Those who unjustly slander great players are just small little people hiding in the shadows. Perhaps they even graffiti sub way walls at night. You should be ashamed of yourself for your hideous comments.
didn't realize there are ANY who cannot be faulted-----who else would be in your Pantheon??????@@paulwilfridhunt
He was my favorite golfer for 25 years and ironically it was when HE went public with criticism of Tiger, mocking Obama befriending hate monger Rush Limbaugh that I became aware of another side of Tom-----the idea that there are some that cannot be faulted is ........interesting@@paulwilfridhunt
Terrible interviewer.
Absolutely terrible.
maybe I am biased because I live in the UK and love links BUT 5 opens in the modern era makes this fine man the best modern golfer imho (and damn that gust of wind in 2009)