Tom Watson

Watson's stridency emerged frequently in the 1990s, first by resigning from the Kansas City Country Club because it denied membership to Jewish friend Henry Bloch, the founder of tax preparation company H&R Block. His move triggered a rift with his father that took years to settle. When the club adjusted its membership criteria, Watson rejoined. He also took aim at comedian Bill Murray and CBS commentator Gary McCord when he felt they carried their irreverence too far. He also refused to autograph a menu for European team member Sam Torrance while captain of the competing U.S. Ryder Cup team. "That humorless, moral absolutism has made him an anachronism in this era of over-indulged Latrell Sprewells," Kiersh wrote, referring to a pro basketball player who once tried to choke his coach.

Watson's game tailed off through the 1990s, largely because his putting game took a turn for the worse. He blew a final round lead in the 1994 British Open (putting also cost him at the 1987 U.S. Open, which he lost by a stroke), and several three-putts that year cost him a victory at Pebble Beach. He joined the Senior Tour in 1999, and in May, 2001, his Senior PGA Championship provided some consolation for the one mainstream Grand Slam event he never won. He painfully recalled blowing a five-stroke lead on the final day in 1978 and losing a playoff to John Mahaffey.

Watson finished in the top 31 on the 2002 Champions Tour money list. Twice in three years he won the season-ending Senior Tour Championship. He still competes in the Grand Slam events, and at the PGA Championship in Chaska, Minnesota, made the cut and on the final day, tied Tiger Woods for low round of the day, at 67.

In late January, 2003, Watson acknowledged that Bruce Edwards, his caddie of more than three decades, has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Watson said he would stick by his caddie and longtime friend.