Tom Watson among the Senior British Open leaders 4 days after almost making golfing history

Watson at Senior British Open

SUNNINGDALE, England — Four days after his heart-rending playoff defeat to Stewart Cink at Turnberry, Tom Watson shot a 3-under 67 on Thursday to begin his pursuit of a fourth Senior British Open title.

The 59-year-old Watson, who almost became the oldest major champion at the British Open last weekend, was tied for third place among early finishers at Sunningdale.

Watson was one shot behind fellow Americans Jay Haas and Loren Roberts, and tied with Tom Kite, Jerry Bruner, Greg Norman of Australia and Sam Torrance of Scotland.

Bernhard Langer, who leads the Champions Tour with four wins this year, played later Thursday.