December 7, 2009

In this Sunday, July 19, 2009 file photo Tom Watson of the US plays to the seventh green during the final round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Turnberry golf course, Scotland. Tom Watson’s place in the next five British Opens is safe after the Royal & Ancient’s decision to change one of its exemption rules.The 60-year-old five-time British Open champion finished runner-up this year but would have lost his exemption status because of the R&A’s age rules. But golf’s governing body outside the United States said Monday it has amended one of its rules so that former champions who finish in the top 10 in the previous five Opens get a five-year exemption.