Tom Watson emotional as he exits Masters

– Tom Watson misses the cut on his final Masters appearance
– The 66-year-old shots rounds of 74 and 78 at Augusta
– “I didn’t totally stink up the joint – but I wish I’d made the cut”

Just like he did at the Open Championship last summer, Tom Watson bowed out in emotional style in his 43rd and final Masters appearance.

The 66-year-old carded rounds of 74 and 78 to miss out on the weekend by only two shots – bringing the curtain down on a sensational record at Augusta National, where he won the tournament twice in 1977 and 1981, while between 1977 and 1991, his worst finish at the tournament was T14.

 “It wasn’t a bad way to go out” – Tom Watson

“It was a pleasure,” Tom Watson told Sky Sports after his round. “I didn’t totally stink up the joint but I wish I could’ve made the cut and made it to the weekend. But it wasn’t a bad way to go out and when I look back in my easy chair next year, I’ll be glad I don’t have to play the 18th hole.

“The patrons were very generous with their applause and I had all my friends and family here so it was great to be able to spend it with them.”

Playing partner Lee Westwood added: “I asked him if he remembered when we first played with each other at the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan and I couldn’t believe he said he couldn’t remember! But I did, and that’s what he means to all of the players out here.”

Watch two-time champion @TomWatsonPGA make par on his final competitive hole and say farewell at #themasters.https://t.co/kMEcfFE7S9

— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 8, 2016

Honorary starter role beckoning?

Jack Nicklaus seems to be pushing for it to happen now that Watson won’t be teeing it up in tournament play anymore.

Speaking in an interview alongside Gary Player, the ‘Golden Bear’ said: “Nice that Tom joined us this year. My guess is that Tom will probably join us for several years to come.”

But when asked about the possibility himself, Watson responded: “Honorary, yeah, it’s not my decision to make.”

Tom Watson exits The Masters :: Your memories

Share your memories of Tom Watson at The Masters in the ‘Comments’ section below – and do you think he should become one of the honorary starters?