Tom Watson gets St Andrews exhibition

• Tom Watson’s five Claret Jugs to go on display in St Andrews
• Part of British Golf Museum’s ‘Tom Watson – A Champion Golfer’
• Admission to the museum free for all Open ticketholders

Tom Watson will have his final appearance at the Open marked with a special exhibition in his honour at the British Golf Museum in St Andrews.

The five-time Open champion brought his five Claret Jugs and winner’s gold medals to the Home of Golf, which will form the centrepiece of the four-month exhibition that opens to the public later this month.

The display is expected to attract thousands of visitors in the run-up to and during the 144th Open this year and, as well as featuring all of Tom Watson’s Claret Jug trophies and golf medals, other important artifacts such as the putter he used during his first Open success at Carnoustie in 1975 will also be there for all to see.

“I hope those who visit the British Golf Museum will enjoy viewing the Claret Jugs” – Tom Watson

Speaking in St Andrews, Tom Watson said: “As this will be my last walk over the Swilcan Bridge in an Open Championship this year, I will have so many wonderful Open experiences to remember.

“I am so very grateful for all the years I have been able to compete and the success I have had in the Open. I hope those who visit the British Golf Museum will enjoy viewing the Claret Jugs and gold medals which reflect my five victories.”

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The affable American has a great affinity with Scotland and its golf fans, in no part due to the fact that four of his five Open titles were claimed in the country.

Despite never winning at St Andrews, Watson lifted the Claret Jug at Carnoustie in 1975, Turnberry in 1977, Muirfield in 1980 and Royal Troon in 1982, before claiming his final victory at Royal Birkdale in 1983.

Only four other players in Open history have won the Championship five times or more but none have matched the achievement in such quick succession.

Graeme Simmers, chairman of the British Golf Museum, said: “Tom Watson is one of the finest golfers of the modern era and a firm favourite with British golf fans. It is fitting that the focal point of our newly expanded British Golf Museum is a special exhibition dedicated to celebrating the career of a special Open champion.”

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A video wall interview with Tom Watson, showing footage of his Open victories, forms part of the exhibition alongside other historic artifacts such as signed scorecards and rare Championship programmes.

The British Golf Museum’s ‘Tom Watson – A Champion Golfer’ curated special exhibition opens to the public later this month and runs through to the end of September 2015.

Admission to the museum is free for Open ticketholders throughout the Championship. A full range of official Open merchandise, including apparel and gifts, is available from the museum shop.

Tom Watson :: Your memories

As he prepares to bow out at the Open this year, what are your greatest memories of the five-time champion? Leave your thoughts in the ‘Comments’ section below.