Fisher moves into British Open lead as Watson begins quest to become oldest major champion

Fisher moves into lead at British Open

TURNBERRY, Scotland — England’s Ross Fisher has snatched away the British Open lead from Tom Watson, who’s trying to become golf’s oldest major champion.

Fisher — his wife overdue in giving birth to their first child — pulled into a tie for the top spot just as Watson was teeing off, rolling in a 15-foot birdie putt at No. 1. The Englishman made it two birdies in a row when he chipped in from behind the green, pushing his score to 5 under.

The 59-year-old Watson had the 54-hole lead at 4-under 206, but he immediately lost a stroke after a sloppy approach shot at No. 1 put him in a bunker, and an 8-foot putt to save par slid past the right side of the cup.

Australia’s Mathew Goggin, playing in the final group with Watson, parred the first hole to stay at 3 under.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TURNBERRY, Scotland (AP) — Tom Watson has teed off at the British Open, hoping to become the oldest major champion in golf history.

Sticking to his game plan, the 59-year-old Watson went with an iron off the first tee and put the ball right in the middle of the fairway.

Up ahead, England’s Ross Fisher — whose wife is overdue in giving birth to their first child — pulled into a tie for the lead just as Watson was teeing off, rolling in a 15-foot birdie putt at No. 1. Fisher says he’ll leave Turnberry if his wife goes into labor, even if he has a chance to win the claret jug.

Watson had a one-stroke lead over Fisher and Australian Mathew Goggin after 54 holes, already the oldest player ever to lead a major round.