Share

Tom Watson breaks age, Frost leads

Calgary - Tom Watson eagled the par-5 18th hole for a 5-under 65 two days short of his 67th birthday, and David Frost had two eagles in a bogey-free 62 on Friday to take the lead in the PGA Tour Champions' Shaw Charity Classic.

Watson broke his age for the fourth time on the 50-and-over tour.

"Is it four?" Watson asked. "Listen, I'm too old, I can't remember that stuff."

Watson countered bogeys on 15 and 17 with a birdie on 16 and the closing eagle at Canyon Meadows in the round interrupted by lightning, thunder, hail and heavy rain.

"Actually, my body didn't get stiff," Watson said about the long break in the round. "It was still loose. Loose enough, let's put it that way. And actually the wind died down and it's perfect conditions right now. It's easy scoring conditions actually the last three or four holes."

Watson played alongside Bernhard Langer, and matched the German star who won the Boeing Classic on Sunday in Washington for his fourth victory of the year and 29th overall on tour.

"Tom has always been impressive, not just at this point," Langer said. "His whole career has been impressive. The way he handles himself, but also the way he plays golf. He's got a great attitude, doesn't get mad at himself. If he leaves a putt short, even from 8 feet, he doesn't go bonkers, he just plays a little harder. You can learn a lot from that."

The 59-year-old Langer was asked shooting his age.

"It's possible," Langer said. "Maybe here, maybe this week."

Frost eagled the par-5 11th and 18th holes.

"I played really well today," Frost said. "Hit some nice shots, made some nice putts as well. I had a steady round going until we got into the rain delay and I basically just said to myself when we started out that I'm just even par and just go ahead and play from here rather than thinking about my position."

The 56-year-old South African made a 30-footer on 18, leaving him one off the tournament record of 61 set by Fred Couples in his 2014 victory and matched by Miguel Angel Jimenez last year.

Defending champion Jeff Maggert and Argentina's Jose Coceres were a stroke back. Maggert eagled the 11th just before the long delay and birdied 18.

"It was hard getting loose coming back," Maggert said. "I just didn't feel comfortable with my swing. I wanted to get a couple more birdies at the end there."

Tom Byrum had a 64, and Mark Calcavecchia, Mark Brooks, Fred Funk and Kirk Triplett were at 65 with Watson and Langer.

John Daly birdied the last for a 67. He has three top-20 finishes in 11 PGA Tour Champions starts since turning 50, with the best a tie for 11th in the Dick's Sporting Goods Open.

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie also shot 67.

Rod Spittle had a 68 to top the three Canadians in the field.

Rocco Mediate, the 2013 winner, had a 71.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE