Watson, the Power of 50s

Tom Watson stole the show at the first round of the U.S. Open. It was his career third lead in the first round.

It was the first round of the 2003 US Open held yesterday at Olympia Fields Country Club in Illinois, USA. The 53-year-old eagled his third hole of the day, the par-4 12th, and birdied four holes the rest of the way in his 5-under-par 65. Watson shares the overnight lead with Brett Quigley.

He holed a 170-yard shot for eagle on the 12th with the iron 6—a fortunate shot for him.

He first played at the US Open in 1972. He last led the first round in 1975 and 1994. He also won the title of the US Open in 1982. At that time, however, he failed to lead the first round.

Making Watson`s day even more emotional was the caddie who recommended he use an old putter -- Bruce Edwards, who in January was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig`s disease. When Watson succeeded with his 12m birdie putting, eyes of the two were filled with tears.

Watson and Edwards have been together for most of the last 30 years and both were misty eyed as they neared the last green, remembering all the good times they`ve had, including the 1982 Open win.

"It was wonderful," Edwards said, "I don`t know how long I can stand here. I am sick and sputter words. I still feel proud of myself." "Bruce doesn`t have a lot of time left. He knows the situation," Watson said.

Tiger Woods, who is defending his title, finished at par. But K. J. Choi dropped down to 151 on the ranking.