Having waved farewell from the Swilcan Bridge last week at St. Andrews, five-time British Open winner Tom Watson said Tuesday that he already is looking forward to being a spectator at next year's 145th Open Championship.
The eight-time major winner, 65, missed the cut at the Old Course but was afforded a huge ovation as he walked down the 18th fairway with his son caddying for him.
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Next year — when The Open is at Royal Troon, where Watson claimed the Claret Jug in 1982 — the American will not take part, but he has no problem with facing up to the fact that he is no longer able to compete at golf's highest level.
Asked if it will be hard to miss out, Watson — speaking Tuesday at the Berenberg Gary Player Invitational charity event — told Omnisport: "No. I know that my toolbox doesn't have enough tools in it to compete against the kids anymore."
"That's a frank realization, and I'm good with it. I don't have a problem," Watson said. "I'll be looking on with no envy, I'll be looking with admiration and excitement at the young players playing The Open Championship. I'll watch with no remorse at all."
Reflecting on his final outing at the famous major, Watson confessed to being "humbled" by the whole experience.
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"It was a joy," he said. "It was a pleasant week. We had all my friends and family there. It was a kind of emotional week.
"They all turned up to see my last Open Championship, friends and family. My son Michael carried my bag, caddied for me.
"As I was walking off the 18th tee I said, 'Son, no tears, let's just have a walk of joy up the last hole on my last Open Championship' — and it went that way.
"It was a special time to see the people surrounding the last hole. I was very humbled."
The Berenberg Gary Player Invitational is an event to raise money for De Paul UK, a charity that works to prevent youth homelessness.