Watson tries to win hometown tourney

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Tom Watson is set to make one more stab this week at one of the few career goals to elude him, capturing a professional tournament championship in front of his hometown fans.

Twice in the past five years the popular Kansas City native has come close, finishing runner-up to Dana Quigley both times.

Soon to turn 57, he's already past the 50-to-55 age group that's won more than 80 percent of the tournaments since the over-50 tour was created.

"I've been practicing a lot. I'm pretty close with my golf swing right now," said Watson, who's finished no lower than fifth in his last four tournaments. "It was just a little bit sketchy. I got an adjustment from a couple of people who were watching me a couple of days ago."

Other players to watch in the 54-hole tournament that begins today include Jay Haas, the tour money leader; Loren Roberts, second on the money list.