Inspiring play by a legend spurs sales of "Tom Watson: Lessons Of A Lifetime" DVD set

I’m too young to remember Tom Watson’s glory years - the magical U.S. Open win in 1982 and the five British Open Championships.

But it’s hard to image Watson being more respected and revered than he is today. His near-miss at the 2009 British Open at Turnberry and his turn-back-the-clock showing at The Masters in April at age 60, along with his continued success on the Champions Tour, has brought in a whole new legion of fans - myself included.

That popularity helps explain why Watson sold more than 10,000 copies of his comprehensive two-DVD set, “Tom Watson: Lessons Of A Lifetime” in only six week’s time since its release. The launch of his informative www.tomwatson.com website has helped spur on sales and introduce the World Golf Hall of Famer to a younger generation of admirers.

Watson ranks sixth for major championship victories with more wins than Bobby Jones, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Phil Mickelson and has 39 career PGA Tour victories. Mike Bailey first reviewed the set here.

“Selling 10,000 copies of ‘Lessons of a Lifetime’ in the first six weeks is not only an amazing milestone, but also a true testament to Tom Watson’s popularity with golfers everywhere,” says Terry Jastrow, who directed the DVDs.

The two-disc set was filmed at the legendary Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, where Watson is the Golf Professional Emeritus. The video is Watson’s first foray into sharing his 50 years of playing golf to his fans. Approximately three hours of content provides the ultimate Tom Watson learning experience - from the grip to full shots, to chipping, confident putting and effortless-looking drives, plus specialty shots including those required in strong wind conditions. Pay special attention to the segment on learning to play in the wind - it helped him win all those Opens on those pesky links courses of the British Isles.

“I was fortunate to have received excellent instruction early in my life,” says Watson, a Kansas City, Missouri native. “When I was 6 years old, my father, Ray Watson, cut down a hickory-shafted 5-iron, then proceeded to teach me the grip, and how to hook and slice the ball-all the basic fundamentals of the game. It’s all this knowledge I’ve accumulated that
I’d like to share with golfers in ‘Lessons of a Lifetime.’”

Watson, who also writes a tips piece for every Golf Digest issue, shares swing thoughts and tips he learned from his father and from longtime club professional Stan Thirsk, as well as Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, Sam Snead, Ben Hogan and Byron Nelson.

Spending the $49.95 at www.tomwatsondvd.com could be your best purchase of the summer. If nothing else, feel good that some of your money will go to a good cause. The set finishes with a moving tribute to Watson’s ‘caddie for life’, Bruce Edwards, who passed away in April 2004 from ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease. A portion of the DVD sales will go to help find a cure for the disease.

The set is also available to purchase by calling 1-800-993-5589.