All that is British for Brian Watts

Brian Watts isn’t picky. He’ll take a PGA Tour win anytime, anywhere.

The former Oklahoma State four-time All-American remains on the comeback trail from a litany of injuries that led to an early retirement three years ago at age 39.

Watts is showing flashes of his former self and if there ever comes a day when he’s back on tour, that would constitute a victory in itself.

But if Watts had to choose one tournament to win, it would be the British Open. A victory near his Westlake, Texas, home in either the Byron Nelson Classic or Colonial would be an emotional triumph for Watts, who grew up in the area. But even more emotional would be holding the Claret Jug.

It’s not because Watts would like to amend his runner-up finish at the Open in 1998. It’s because of his British heritage. Watts’ father is British. Every five years or so while growing up, Watts would visit his grandparents in London. At age 14, he and his father played golf throughout the region, including St. Andrews in Scotland. That’s when Watts fell in love with the game.

Watts remembers sitting in front of the “telly” at his grandparents’ home at age 9 and watching Tom Watson win the 1975 Open in a playoff victory over Jack Newton at Carnoustie. “There are a lot of memories over there,” Watts said. “That’s why winning the British Open would mean the most to me. But, hey, winning any major would do just fine.”