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Watson Eager to Return to Snoqualmie Ridge |
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Written by Administrator
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Tuesday, 15 July 2008 |
Denis Watson said yesterday how excited he is to return to the TPC Snoqualmie Ridge in August to defend the Boeing Classic title he won last year after a seven-man play-off. Speaking at the tournament's media day at the host venue, Watson added Snoqualmie Ridge is probably the best facility on the Champions Tour and that many players regard the course as their favorite.
Currently nursing a knee injury he picked up at the FedEx Kinko's Classic in Austin, TX, in May, a tournament he ended up winning by a shot over Tim Simpson, Scott Hoch and fellow Zimbabwean Nick Price, Watson says he remembers well all the shots he played at last year's Boeing Classic including his tee-shot at the 71st hole which he pulled into the water. 'I really didn't think it was that bad a shot' he said, 'But the wind must have got hold of it and tugged it left. I didn't even look at it in the water when I reached the green. If I had, I might have been tempted to play it. Maybe I'll try it in the practice round this year.'
Having double-bogeyed the hole then parring the last, Watson fell into a tie with six other players forcing the largest play-off ever at a PGA Tour-sanctioned event. Only Watson, Craig Stadler and RW Eaks managed to birdie the first extra hole; the 18th, and all three then found the green at the Par 5 in two the second time around. Watson was the only one to hole his eagle putt, however. 'I thought I had thrown the tournament away at the 17th but then I had it handed back to me,' he said. 'On the 18th tee at the start of the play-off, I told the others they really shouldn't be there. It was fun but the only good thing about play-offs is when you come out on top.'
Watson has been seeing noted orthopaedics specialist Dr. Richard Steadman at his clinic in Vail, CO, and will also travel to Park City, UT, to visit Drs Cooly and Rosenburg who recently treated Tiger Woods's damaged left knee. 'It's a cartilage problem,' said Watson. 'Dr. Steadman told me it would take three months to heal.' Considering the damage took place at the beginning of May, Watson should be back in good health well in time for the defense of his title which starts on August 22nd. |
