Guan got more than he bargained for as Watson stunned everyone by asking him to join him for a practice round at Augusta on the Tuesday of the championship. Come April, they will be the youngest and the oldest competitors in the field in what will be Watson’s 40th Masters.
Whether the Guangzhou-based Guan fully appreciates the storied achievements of the great man is unknown but he was clearly the star struck teenager. Watson made a point of chatting to him each time he saw him too, providing advice on his choice of a local caddie and tournament preparation. “I remember my first time, 1970. I was all of 20-years-old. I went out there and missed the cut,” he said.
Watson clearly enjoys these opportunities to guide youngsters on their way, just as elder players helped him when he started out on tour. “They remind me of how I was, I like that. I know what they’re feeling,” he smiled.
Watson completed his tournament in high winds with a three-under par 69, outscoring his much younger partner, Gold Coaster Matt Ballard by two strokes before gales halted play for four hours. A laced hybrid into the wind on the final hole set up the opportunity of a fairytale finish but his lengthy birdie putt came up agonisingly short. And with that, he was gone.
An inquisitive Justin Rose asked after his score while Watson was signing his card and had a look of astonishment then a broad grin when he learned of the master’s bogey-free round in the conditions. “That’s amazing,” he said with a shake of the head.
If this was to be the final round Watson plays in Australia, it was a fitting finish. Can he see himself returning in the future? "Who knows?” he said with a smile. “I've certainly enjoyed being here in this country – seeing the Outback, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns – there are a lot of things I’ve done here.
"I'd also like to go to Tasmania or the western part of Australia. There’s always a chance."
If not however, we can only doff our caps and echo the sentiments of a spectator who called out to Watson during the final round: ‘Thanks for the memories, Tom.’ It’s been our honour.
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