Watson shows debutant Wu the secrets of links
Five-time British Open winner lends a hand to China's first-timer during practice round
All of 35 years, 69 professional victories, 34 British Open appearances, and eight major wins separate Wu and Watson, but the veteran American was more than happy to give Wu the benefit of his wisdom.
Watson, 62, has a habit of helping the rookies settle in, as he did with English protégé Tom Lewis at Royal St George's in 2011.
"Tom was very much a gentleman and could not have been more gracious," said Wu, 28, who qualified courtesy of third place at international final qualifying in Thailand in March.
"He was especially helpful in terms of explaining the nature of links golf and the differences from the American-style parkland courses I am accustomed to playing in Asia and it was totally different, bumping and running, especially on the approaches to the greens, but I felt I got into the way of it pretty quickly," China's number-two ranked player said.
Liang Wenchong, the top-ranked player, failed to qualify in a last-ditch attempt at the Scottish Open last week, where he missed the cut, but Wu also consulted him, saying: "He has played the Open championship twice and he gave me some tips too, more from a course management point of view.
"It's not only my first experience of links golf but my first time in the UK and Scotland, and when I was handed my player's badge and clipped it on to my visor, it was a very proud moment for me," said Wu, from Xiamen.