Unhappy Troon return for Weiskopf

Tom Weiskopf, the 61-year-old who won the 1973 British Open at Royal Troon, began what will be the last competitive event of his life with a quadruple bogey eight today.

The American needed four attempts to get out of a greenside bunker, a trap he described later as “perfectly-designed – just big enough for an angry man with a club”.

Weiskopf, who finished with a nine over par 80, had already decided that this would be his farewell not only to the Open, but also to tournament golf.

He said: “I realise I don’t have much of a game now. But it’s been terrific and I’ve been really enjoying myself this week.

“I have my son caddying for me and I was able to practise with Tiger (Woods), Vijay (Singh), Jim Furyk and Nick Price.”

He was partnering 1985 winner Sandy Lyle, who commented of that opening eight: “He may be 6' 5", but he was digging so big a hole in the sand that he was disappearing at one stage.”

Weiskopf said: “When I saw the ball up against the lip I knew I had no shot. I couldn’t even get a backswing if I turned backwards. The smart thing was probably to take a penalty drop.

“I knew, though, that that would plug and so I had a go. Then another and another and another. I was lucky. The second attempt nearly hit me.”

Lyle, without a victory for 12 years and no longer the holder of a European or US Tour card, got to two under, but bogeyed the last for a 70.

“Anything in red numbers (under par) is a nice feeling to have,” said the Scot.