The British Open Is Special to Tom Watson. He’s Won It Five Times.

A half century has passed since Tom Watson captured the first of his five British Opens, defeating Jack Newton by one in an 18-hole playoff at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland.

Watson’s most memorable Open triumph, however, came in 1977 at Turnberry in Scotland when he closed with a 65 to edge Jack Nicklaus by a stroke in what became known as the Duel in the Sun. Turnberry was also the venue for one of Watson’s toughest losses. In the 2009 British Open, Watson led by one on the final hole but made a bogey and fell to Stewart Cink in a four-hole playoff.

With this year’s Open starting Thursday at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland, Watson, 75, reflected on his past appearances.

The following conversation has been edited and condensed.

What stands out about your British Open win in 1975?

What stands out is when I was receiving the trophy from the captain of the R&A, he said to the crowd, “Now I’d like to introduce as the champion golfer of the year, Tom Kite.” That’s how unknown I was.

What did the victory do for your confidence?

It was obviously a victory in a very important tournament, but I was still trying to learn how to win. I hadn’t learned how yet. I felt I had the tools to win, but I didn’t perform when the chips were down. A lot of it has to do with trusting your golf swing, but it also had to do with swinging too fast and making quick decisions. I finally learned by walking a beat slower and deep breathing coupled with a trust in your golf swing. Things started to fall into place.