TOM WATSON BECOMES HONORARY LIFE

 MEMBER OF THE EUROPEAN TOUR

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE EUROPEAN TOUR
Tom Watson accepted Honorary Life Membership of The European Tour last night ahead of the Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard.
The 60 year old American, one of the game’s most celebrated players having won eight Major titles and five Senior Majors, accepted his award from European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady at Carnoustie, the scene of his first Open Championship win in 1975.
It was 35 years ago that Watson overcame the Australian Jack Newton in an 18-hole play-off to win his first Open, making the great old links the perfect place to present him with his Honorary Life Membership card.
The American has played a hugely significant role in the history of the Senior Open Championship since the great Arnold Palmer pioneered the first staging of the tournament in 1987. Watson has won the event three times, at Turnberry, Royal Aberdeen and Muirfield.
Watson joins Palmer, Sir Bob Charles and Gary Player in being awarded Honorary Life Membership of The European Tour as a Senior Tour player after a unanimous recommendation from the European Senior Tour Membership.
Watson said: “What a great honour to be made an Honorary Life Member of The European Tour. I have to say that it was totally unexpected. We had a very nice presentation with George last night and the Award is greatly appreciated. I have had some success on the Senior Tour over here, winning the Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard three times and it is great to have that achievement recognised in such a special way.”
George O'Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “This award is accorded to very special players who have won Major Championships or contributed significantly to The European Tour. Tom Watson is, without doubt, one of the greatest golfers ever to grace the game and his contribution to the game continues to amaze golf fans around the world. He is not only a great ambassador to the game of golf, but a great man and we are delighted that he has accepted this award in recognition of his contribution to our sport.”