Tom Watson to end his Open career at St Andrews

The exemption of five-time Open Champion Tom Watson will be extended to enable him to make his 40th anniversary appearance in the 2015 Open Championship at St Andrews.

The 64-year-old’s exemption for the Major would have expired this year, but he has now been given special dispensation to end his Open career at the Home of Golf.

The R&A presented Watson with a special commemorative solid silver Players’ Badge to recognise his 40 years in the Open Championship.

Watson is one of a select group of players to win the Open on five occasions along with James Braid, JH Taylor and Peter Thomson. Only Harry Vardon has won more championships with six victories.

“Some of my finest memories in golf have come from playing in The Open Championship,” said Watson.

“I am very proud and honoured to be given this opportunity to play once again in St Andrews next year. It is a special place for everyone in golf and I am very much looking forward to playing there again in front of the wonderful Scottish galleries.

We are delighted that he will he will be able to play in The Open next year – Peter Dawson “The Open Championship is unlike any other event in golf and to be part of its history is a privilege.”

Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of The R&A, said, “Tom is the most successful Open Champion still playing today and has made a huge contribution to the Championship over the last 40 years. His performances in winning The Open on five occasions were truly outstanding and to come so close to winning a sixth Championship in 2009 demonstrates his longevity in the sport.

“We are delighted that he will he will be able to play in The Open next year and I’m sure golf fans everywhere will look forward to seeing him play again at St Andrews,” he said.