My U.S. Open: Tom Watson (1982)

"What can you say?!" The famous words spoken on air in reaction to Tom Watson's chip-on on 17 during the 1982 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach (Calif.) Golf Links that propelled him to victory over Jack Nicklaus.
Well, in this episode of "My U.S. Open," Watson, an eight-time major champion, has plenty to say about his memorable performance in 1982. In partnership with Rolex.

[@COLETHORN10]

The golfing gods should have allowed him that last win (his sixth Open) at Turnberry in 2009. He deserved it.

[@fergustweedale]

He has five and the sixth eluding him was gut wrenching to watch, but it paved the way Stewart Cink to take a major. That’s how a reconcile the 2009 British Open.

[@JamesHoran-i3d]

What does it take for Cink to allow Tom to win at Turnberry in 2009. He'd make enough money coming in 2nd, but Cink had to win and beat a guy 26 years his senior. What glory is there in that When they talk about Cink's win yearsxfrom now, they will say he.beat an old man.

[@seanmcginnis4112]

Tom Watson was always my favorite growing up. Probably the best iron striker I've ever seen. And what a class act Jack was/is.

[@MrBudcole]

Same for me. I am just about the same age, and he is the reason I took up golf in the first place.

[@ellibreelmundo2629]

He was my favorite also. He had the prettiest rythmic swing in my lifetime. And he played aggressive.

[@shaneferris1043]

Tom Watson is the greatest ball striker I've ever seen. I'd rank him above Snead and Hogan. I don't think he gets the credit he deserves

[@scottlochans4180]

Sure I saw Tom Watson win the British Open, he was very solid, but Lee Trevino was a Golf Wizard, round the Greens, not to forget the late Great Seve, was at his first Open, he was very Good.

[@andrewcole1323]

That chip in on 17 - the greatest golf shot of all time? Was just amazing.

[@kryer981]

Not quite. Gene Sarazen's albatross at the 1935 Masters will forever be golf's greatest shot. If he hadn't made that shot, he never would've achieved the Career Grand Slam.

[@BloodySoup74]

@@kryer981 Is there video of that?

[@kryer981]

@@BloodySoup74 I've never seen one. It would be a shame if non existed.

[@marknorris1381]

One of the greatest shots. And the reason being the pressure that was on him, right at that time, 2nd last hole of the US Open, big chance to win, puts it where he did off the tee. Doesn't get any better.

[@davidr5961]

Jacks 1 iron hitting the flag, in 1972 , wasn;t too bad

[@michaelb6576]

Tom Watson won with pure class

[@thetruthfornow6045]

Tiger beat stiffs. Jack crossed generations and played against slam dunk hall of famers. That chip by Watson to beat Nicklaus was amazing. Nicklaus faced the best of the best starting with Arnie and ending with Norman 25 years later. GOAT by a mile.

[@sjg6158]

One of the highest quality golfers and highest character players of all time. That 2009 heartbreak at Turnberry still gets me.

[@salfordnick5336]

Had the pleasure of meeting and chatting to Watson twice while being a steward at birkdale.... A complete gentleman, lovely man and a class act of a golfer. Gave me his autograph on my hat which sits proudly on my wall....just wished he'd won in 2009

[@sappermade6012]

This was his finest moment ..... we’ll never have a class act like this again

[@dwaynekoblitz6032]

So beautiful. Truly classic. Beating Jack was no easy task. Wonderful golf history.

[@charlescanterbury9762]

Love Tom, and the class he has always carried himself with, I'll never forgive Mickelson for embarrassing him at the Ryder Cup post-game press conference.

[@archielinn]

Wasn't happy when Watson won, being a Nicklaus fan. But I respect him as a golfer & a person that he is. Was so bummed when he didn't win the British in 2009 at age 59! Hit a great approach on 18 that didn't hold the green. His golf swing now still looks great & fluid!

[@billkittleman9631]

Rest in eternal peace Bruce Edwards 🌹

[@jamesyoo67]

Beautifully done video. Tom Watson is my short game hero.

[@jeffgrove1862]

Great to watch ,very pleased Tom won it .He played great ,he needed the win .

[@tyleregan]

We need more clips like this

[@jryer1]

@Tom - AWESOME, it really is about having the right attitude! Your classic golf swing is a thing of beauty, should be emulated by the young. You are the people's Champion!

[@putter3643]

There was a time when he was the best putter in the game.

[@robynjones7691]

What a gem of a video. Thanks. And what a great man too

[@kidpagronprimsank05]

One of the most miraculous chip I ever see. Watson said that out of 100, he cannot holed it again.

[@Amber90125]

Tom Watson made me a fan of golf as a child

[@clintt5266]

Watched this with my dad that Sunday. Will never forget that chip in.

[@maxwellchannon1368]

So much to learn from his confident attitude and determination!

[@ysgol3]

A very nice reminder that, despite all his putting troubles later, Watson in his prime holed his share to say the least - his win here was miraculous.

[@davidhaworth7152]

Get it close hell! I’m going to hole it! Bravo Mr. Watson, bravo!

[@JDL0427]

I remember this one so clearly. I had played Pebble Beach on my honeymoon in mid-April ($65 green fee cart included) and then was watching with a group of friends in Cape May NJ. at another wedding. Watson was nearly desperate to win the U.S. Open after being labeled a choker in previous tries. His back 9 was magical and the tension with our group was awesome. When he chipped in on 17 the room exploded. I’m glad the putt on 18 went in because it was downhill and would have rolled 4-5 feet past. Anyway, what was really the closer for me is when he looked into the camera and said, “Happy Father’s Day Dad”. What a moment.

[@jonathanbristow3208]

What a man and a credit to the game.

[@Denilson24]

Such a fairytale at The Open 2009, really hoped he pulled off the miracle

[@timallsopp8656]

One of the very, very best to have played the game so well

[@jadesmith6823]

Jack Nicklaus is an utter gentleman ❤️

[@marknorris1381]

They're the people we love.

[@rphrph167]

Two great players....two gentlemen.......two champions!!!...

[@joeythomas9251]

I love this series, but I wonder how Phil feels watching it.

[@MGAF688]

Or the Shark?

[@7775Kevin]

One of the all-time greats. I saw him play live a few times in the 70s and 80s. Once he hit a little left into the gallery where we were standing so we all crowded around his ball to get a close look at his next shot. After a few minutes I felt a hand on my back giving me a little shove. I thought, “who is trying to get in front of me for a better look?” Turns out it was Watson trying to get to his ball. I moved.

[@DMR4736]

Was happy for him winning; I remember years before, at Winged Foot in the mid-70's , he lead by a shot going into the final round, and shot about a 79 in the final round, on a brutal golf course, when Hale Irwin won, with something like +4. He learned from that experience, and became great.

[@peterfennell6994]

A true gentleman and a very humble champion.

[@dttruman]

One of the greatest of his era!

[@marknorris1381]

One of the best. Besides being a giant of the game a real pro's pro. When things aren't working for him he hangs in there, scrambling and trying to get by, never gives up. What also shines through is the respect he has for his dad, class act.

[@justlobitupthereillgetit5713]

You gotta love golf.

[@colby7703]

Nicklaus 1972 Watson 1982 Kite 1992

[@dickrichards9650]

Nicklaus 1962 Woods 2002

[@jerryadams2191]

Un Great legend, thank you. 😎⛳⛳⛳👍

[@sappermade6012]

One of the greats ......

[@GroomsJk]

Pure class!

[@johnnymossville]

I was pulling for Nicklaus, but Tom earned that one. masterful playing.

[@kenpayton5131]

Kansas City hometown hero

[@jadesmith6823]

"stay in the contest." ❤️

[@billyfarmer3967]

One of golf's gentlemen 👏

[@salfordnick5336]

What a adore most about this is his dad saying this is the one to win and then Tom himself desperate to win it for his dad......sod what nationality you are your dad said so. With my dad very ill i wish I could win something like this for him.....claret jug would be good. Tom Watson what a guy and player

[@chrismorfas7515]

I wasn’t able to watch this live and was unaware Tom had made a series of long putts in addition to the famous chip-in.

[@Tlhakxza]

Outside of Tiger Woods, Tom Watson is my favorite golfer of time. It’s because of his book GETTING UP AND DOWN that made me into a short game machine, I love Tom Watson for helping me play good golf.

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks

[@JonathanPoto]

What a fuckin performance

[@jadesmith6823]

This ❤️

[@micahhardman3183]

Watson's Putter got Red Hot on the final round....🌲🌲🌲🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♂️🏌️‍♂️🌲

[@LVM5584]

Tom knew he had to be aggressive in that final round to beat Jack. And sure enough he did. The chip at 17 if he misses it goes 8-10 feet by the hole.

[@DMR4736]

If it wasn't for Watson & Trevino, Jack would have finished with about 22 majors

[@nickcurran3105]

Very cool. He must have been so happy for his father, who himself must have been over the moon.

[@johnbeard3733]

The Open

[@rocketrob333]

lesson NEVER to be learned by many long hitters 8:02 Tom layed up with a 7 iron to make Par and win the US Open, so what happened, he birdied it

[@davidr5961]

Between Watson & Trevino, cost Nicklaus about five more majors, but were great finishes

[@jackcasey8067]

And now we have Bryson !!!!!!!

[@iiZAPPx]

💪

[@MrDuds1984]

Forgot that he birdied 18 when he only needed a par

[@annefilippobertozzi7601]

That happens quite often, when you play smart and don’t force things…

[@jaimealvarezmd7245]

Watson snagged those majors from jack. Jack didn't lose them Tom win them. Tiger woods never played against a "great" player head to head down the stretch in a major. It was always a rich beem or a Bob may or a Chris DiMarco. Jack had majors snatched from Watson (2), Trevino and palmer

[@jeffrey3498]

It's called luck 🤣👍

[@johnrotten3268]

lol, what a boring guy. It's like listening to an electric toothbrush.