Both seniors credit their families for giving them the freedom to chart their paths. “I could always play golf with my dad ... played pretty well the last couple of weeks.

Tom Watson was a month older when he shot 71 in 2015. “I don’t want to be a clown,” Couples said, “but I can play golf. I can play around here. If the weather is like this and not hard ...

but I don't want to come here as some clown just trying to play golf," Couples said. Couples, who claimed 15 wins on the PGA Tour and another 14 titles on the senior circuit, once thought a former ...