The Open Championship
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Hamilton stuns Els in playoff to win claret jug

Todd Hamilton of USA kisses the claret jug after securing victory in the 133rd Open Championship, following a playoff, at the Royal Troon Golf Club on July 18, 2004 in Troon, Scotland
Todd Hamilton of USA kisses the
claret jug after securing victory in
the 133rd Open Championship.
(Photo: Getty Images)
July 18, 2004 (UPDATED - 5:22 p.m. ET) — Move over Ben Curtis. You have company in the major shocker department. Little-known Todd Hamilton stared down the best players in the world and never blinked Sunday, winning the 133rd Open Championship in a stunning four-hole playoff over three-time major winner Ernie Els at Royal Troon Golf Club.

Open Championship Notebook: Westwood inspired

Lee Westwood believes his best-ever finish in a major is just a sign of things to come, while Vijay Singh needs some rare time off to regroup before the PGA Championship and the final hole at Troon turned into a Love-fest. Plus, Jerry Kelly hustles back to Milwaukee, while low amateur Stuart Wilson will be back at work Monday morning, and more. Full Story

Woods now reduced to talking about contending

Tiger Woods failed to win a major for the ninth time in a row Sunday at Royal Troon, and has finished an average of eight shots back in those losses. Where once all he discussed was winning, Woods now can only talk about what he needs to do to get back into the hunt in future majors. Full Story

Els haunted by the Open-winning putt that got away

Ernie Els had a 10-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole of The Open Championship Sunday, but misread it. An hour later, he lost a playoff to Todd Hamilton, and admitted afterward that he will be thinking about that lost chance to win his second Open title for along time. Full Story

Mickelson can't wait for next year at St. Andrews

Don't get Phil Mickelson wrong. He's disappointed about coming up short in The Open Championship on Sunday, but he's also very encouraged. After having never finished in the top 10 in the Open, his third-place finish at Royal Troon has him believing he's come to grips with links golf and salivating for another chance to win on the famed Old Course in 2005. Full Story

Montgomerie falls short but proves he's not done yet

Colin Montgomerie didn't win The Open Championship on his home course of Royal Troon, as he failed to mount a rally on Sunday. But a strong performance in front of a supportive crowd proved that he's still an elite player and worthy of a wild-card selection to the European Ryder Cup team. Full Story

Sunday Q&A with TNT's Billy Kratzert

TNT course reporter Billy Kratzert spent two hours Sunday morning in the tower off the 18th green and got a first-hand look at what the players faced at Royal Troon Golf Club. In his opinion, the conditions were the toughest they had been all week. He also offered his thoughts on surprise third-round leader Todd Hamilton's chances. Full Story

The Open is poised for a dramatic finish on Sunday

Ten players, half of them major champions, are within five shots of the lead heading into the final round at Royal Troon, setting up a final round that should have a little bit of everything. The fantastic finish will include everyone from superstars like Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods to journeymen like Todd Hamilton and Barry Lane to sentimental favorites like, yes, Colin Montgomerie. Full Story

Open Championship Notebook: Tough day for Kendall

Plus, the Royal Troon rough does damage to Davis Love, Retief Goosen can join an exclusive club, something is missing from Mark Calcavecchia's scorecard, Lee Westwood is looking for consistency, while Ian Poulter wants somebody to buy his pants and all Darren Clarke can do is laugh. Full Story
Leaderboard
The 2004 Open Championship: Final
pos player score thru today
1* Todd Hamilton -10 F -2
2 Ernie Els -10 F -3
3 Phil Mickelson -9 F -3
4 Lee Westwood -6 F -4
5 Thomas Levet -5 F +1

*Winner in four hole playoff
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Check out exclusive images from the 133rd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club. (Updated daily).
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Since its inception in 1878, Royal Troon Golf Club has proved a demanding test for the finest shotmakers. more

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