Nick Faldo and Tom Watson to say Open goodbye

Sir Nick Faldo will join Tom Watson in playing his final Open Championship at St Andrews in July.

The 57-year-old Faldo is a three-time winner, while American Watson, 65, won five Claret Jugs.

Nick Faldo at the Open: career in pictures

Faldo won the Open over the Old Course in 1990 alongside two triumphs at Muirfield in 1987 and 1992. He also won three Masters in 1989, 1990 and 1996 and is Europe's most successful golfer. 

The Englishman spends most of his time as a golf analyst for TV in the US, and missed the cut in his last two Open appearances in 2013 and 2014 after sitting out the event for a couple of years. 

“The Open and St Andrews will forever hold a significant place in my heart," said Faldo, who will turn 58 during the tournament.  

"My fondest moments on my journey with this great sport are woven with pictures and emotions in this setting. It all means a huge amount to me.  

“I look forward to celebrating all that golf has given me as I cross that storied bridge and the wonderful memories I share with many people. I am grateful for it all and grateful to golf." 

Watson's Open titles came between 1977 and 1983, but he never won at the Home of Golf.

The 2014 US Ryder Cup captain secured an extension to his Open eligibility when he missed out in a play-off to Stewart Cink in the 2009 tournament at Turnberry at the age of 59.

Read more: Watson ponders Masters exit in 2016

St Andrews is a popular venue for former champions to bow out. Jack Nicklaus, who won 18 majors and three Opens, posed for farewell pictures on the Swilcan Bridge in 2005. 

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy will defend his Open title when the tournament returns to St Andrews for the first time in five years from 12-19 July.

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