Feinstein On Watson's Impressive Old Course Showing

While he faded to a final round 77, Tom Watson's opening 69-68 in the Senior Open at St. Andrews and continued contention until early Sunday was a thing to behold on many levels. 

But as John Feinstein notes for Golf World, with it only being Watson's fifth start of the year due to wife Hilary's battle with cancer, the ability to perform as the 68-year-old did was something special not to be overlooked.

the Senior Open was his fifth event of 2018 and he hadn’t played anywhere since April. The reason for his absence was simple—and sad: His wife, Hilary, has been battling cancer. There was no way he was leaving her side during chemo and radiation treatments that began last fall. Only during respites in her treatment—at her urging—did he play.

A few weeks ago, Hilary Watson completed yet another painful round of chemo, this time in Houston. Still, she wanted her husband to play at St. Andrews, a golf course and a place he loves.