New hip gives Golden Oldie Watson fresh lease of life

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Nine months after having a hip replacement, five-times champion Tom Watson continued to upstage the young guns with a vintage display in the British Open second round on Friday.

The 59-year-old fought back from a bruising outward nine in tricky winds to card a level-par 70 on the Ailsa Course, ending the day tied for the lead with fellow American Steve Marino.

Winner here 32 years ago when he outduelled Jack Nicklaus in a classic contest dubbed the Duel in the Sun, Watson stayed on track to become golf's oldest major champion by posting a five-under tally of 135.

"I'm feeling in great shape," the American told reporters after holing birdie putts from 50 and 60 feet on 16 and 18 to finish with a flourish.

"No aches or pains, fortunately. For 59 years old, that's pretty remarkable. I had my left hip replaced last October and it was very successful, no repercussions from that and it made me sleep better."

A winner of eight major titles, Watson said his swing was unchanged following the surgery which had allowed him a little more rotation with his hips.

"Physically I'm in good shape and mentally I'm in a good place right now," he said. "You're always in a good place after you make a 60-footer at the 18th hole to tie for the Open championship lead."

Watson's inspirational start at Turnberry this week echoed memories of last year's British Open at Royal Birkdale where Australian Greg Norman, at the age of 53, also overshadowed the game's best players.