Legend Tom Watson has agreed to play in the Senior British Open at Royal County Down from July 25 to 28.

And that could mean another 'duel in the sun' with arch rival Jack Nicklaus in the £500,000 MasterCard sponsored event.

Golden Bear Nicklaus thrilled the crowds alongside Arnold Palmer and Gary Player last year as the 'Big Three' came together one last time.

And despite his back problems, the 18 time major winner has not ruled out a second appearance in the championship this summer.

Said European Seniors Tour director Andy Stubbs: "Jack has asked us to book him a room and he will let us know before the entries close if his back will allow him to participate."

The presence of Watson in the field might encourage Nicklaus to come back to Northern Ireland and win the only 'Major' that is missing from his curriculum.

In 1977 at Turnberry, Watson beat Nicklaus by a stroke to win the second of his five British Open Championships in a memorable head to head that was dubbed the 'duel in the sun' because of the dominance of the dup.

Kansas City born Watson, 52, won eight majors in a tour career that lasted from 1971 to 1999.

A frequent visitor to Ireland over the years, and captain of Ballybunion two years ago, Watson has had a lifelong love affair with Irish links courses.

He said: "My schedule, for one reason or another, has never made it possible for me to play in the Senior British Open nor play a competitive round over the Royal County Down links.

"This year, however, I was determined to do both and I have to say I am really looking forward to the opportunity."

The winner will take away a cheque for £79,000 and Watson is sure to meet a stiff challenge from Ireland's Christy O'Connor Junior, Senior Open champion in 1999 and 2000.

O'Connor couldn't defend last year after breaking his leg when his Harley Davidson fell on him as he was cleaning it.

But the Galwayman is back on the fairways in the US and keener than ever to notch a third 'Major' victory.

He said: "It was heart-breaking to miss my defence last year. But it would be a dream to win this year with Watson and possibly Nicklaus in the field."

Watson won the Open in 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982 and 1983, the US Open in 1982 and the Masters in 1977 and 1981.

One of only six players to win the Open and the US Open in the same year (1982), he won 34 times on the US PGA tour between 1974 and 1998, earning over $9.5 million dollars

Seven times the PGA of America Player of the Year, Watson played on four Ryder Cup teams and captained the US to a 13-15 win over Europe at the Belfry in 1993.

His record in the senior ranks is equally impressive.

In 1999 he won on his second start, 15 days after turning 50. Last season he won his first Senior Major, the Senior PGA championship and in two seasons he has earned over $2.78 million dollars from just 34 events with 24 top ten finishes.

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© Brian Keogh 2002

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