SALLY WATSON has come full circle. A decade ago, as a 16-year-old amateur, the Scot made her first appearance in the Women’s British Open at St Andrews. 

Here in 2017, just a few miles down the coast from the Auld Grey Toun at Kingsbarns, Watson makes her final appearance as a touring professional in the same championship. It’s time for a new challenge.

“I begin my Masters of Business Administration at the University of Chicago soon and this is a nice way to finish off,” said Watson of her impending return to academia after opening her swansong with 
a steady, level-par 72.

For the erudite, engaging Watson, who graduated from Stanford University in the US before embarking on a pro career on the Ladies European Tour, the lure of another cerebral challenge proved too strong. 

“I missed the intellectual environment of University,” added Watson, as the befuddled golf writers tried to fathom out a way to get the lids off their pens. 

“I never necessarily saw golf as something I wanted to do forever. I really enjoyed my time at Stanford and I always knew I wanted to go back to school at some point. 

“I love playing golf and I love competing, but I have struggled a little bit to be happy being a pro golfer. The lifestyle is a challenge. 

“Again, I think part of that was not having the intellectual stimulation I had previously. You’ve got to be happy in life first and foremost.”

Watson, a former Scottish Girls’ champion who represented GB&I in the Curtis Cup, chalked up six top-10s on the Ladies European Tour and narrowly missed out on becoming the circuit’s rookie of the year in 2014.

“Playing pro golf isn’t the least stressful of careers,” said Watson, whose application to the University of Chicago was bolstered by a letter of recommendation from her old Stanford adviser Condaleezza Rice, the former US secretary of state. “Hopefully whatever career I choose will provide a bit more financial stability.

“I was very fortunate with backing but many female golfers struggle to get financial support to invest in themselves and progress their game.”