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Tom Watson speaks of respect for Jack Nicklaus
Tom Watson paid his own tribute to his perennial British Open rival Jack Nicklaus on Wednesday, the day before the pair play together in the Golden Bear's swansong at the major.
"It is quite a tribute to Jack," Watson said of his fellow American, who will be taking part in his 38th Open this weekend.
"He has the best record in majors and he is probably the best player to ever have played the game.
"I have always admired the way he has handled himself both on and off the golf course, watched him intently when I was learning how to play as a professional and learned a lot, from the way he managed a golf course to types of shots he hit.
"As competitors we had a deep respect for each other."
His friendship with Nicklaus has been enhanced by the British Open, Watson added.
"It grew very fast when we were over here at the British Open over the years, being together and playing practice rounds together and I think it blossomed over here more than anywhere," he said.
The pair's rivalry for the Claret Jug is legendary, especially their 'Duel in the Sun' of 1977 when they enthralled the Turnberry gallery before Watson emerged a one-stroke winner.
While Nicklaus has the superior majors record of 18 wins, Watson has won the British Open five times to Nicklaus's three.
Rivalry will almost be forgotten this week, though.
Watson, 55, with a possible 10 more years of British Opens left, is delighted to be partnering Nicklaus and revealed that the pair had ensured they would play together this week however the draw turned out.
"We set up a Tuesday practice in Kansas City during the seniors tour visit," he said. "Kenny Perry and I beat Jack and Mike Weir for 10 pounds.
"There were a few tears coming up the 18th and I am sure there will be a few more this week."
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