The Open Championship, St Andrews, 15-18 July
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Watson bids farewell to St Andrews in style

Five-time champion Tom Watson said he would not return to play another Open Championship at St Andrews after carding a 75 to miss the cut on Friday.

Watson, 60, who has never won the Open at St Andrews - nicknamed the "Old Lady" - ended on four over par.

"This golf course was tough," said Watson, who lost in a play-off against Stewart Cink at Turnberry last year.

"She was naked on Friday, but she put on her boxing gloves and just hit us with all she had."

As he made his way to the 18th green in fading light, Watson paused to salute the appreciative crowd and bent over to kiss the Swilcan Bridge just as old friends and rivals Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus had done in previous years.

"I think the main thing was the respect I have for the way the game is played over here," Watson said of his reception by the crowd, "the respect that the people have for their game.

606: DEBATE Your thoughts on Watson at the Open

"The Scots invented golf and they love the game with a passion unlike any other people. I enjoy that.

"This is not my last Open Championship. I intend to play some more, but it's my last Open Championship at St Andrews.

"I thought of Arnold on the bridge, I thought of Jack on the bridge, and their last Opens were both right here at St Andrews.

"My last Open is not right here, the good Lord willing. I have a few more years left thanks to the R&A's special exemption for me."

Thanks in large part to Watson, the Royal and Ancient now allows past champions to play the Open until they are 65.

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