In the end, the 138th Open Championship was just a little too long for Tom Watson. The 59-year-old, so close to writing an almost unimaginable chapter in golf history, bogeyed the final hole of regulation to fall into a tie with Stewart Cink, who had birdied it a few minutes earlier. That sent the two Americans to a four-hole playoff, where Cink prevailed for his first major title.
Playoff | |||||
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| HOLE | 5 | 6 | 17 | 18 | Total |
| PAR | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | |
| Tom Watson | 5 | 3 | 7 | 5 | +4 |
| Stewart Cink | 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | -2 |
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Open Championship
Round 4 |
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| 1 | Stewart Cink | -2 | F | -1 | |
| 2 | Tom Watson | -2 | F | +2 | |
| T3 | Chris Wood | -1 | F | -3 | |
| T3 | Lee Westwood | -1 | F | +1 | |
| T5 | Luke Donald | E | F | -3 | |
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Last Updated: 2:42 pm ET
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Currently: Partly Cloudy, 64 F - Wind N, 10 mph Extended Forecast |
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Watch exclusive video highlights from the 138th Open Championship!
Now in high definition! Take a moment to see the sights at the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry.
Steady Cink becomes major winner in playoff over Watson
In the end, Tom Watson could only look on as Stewart Cink took the Claret Jug. (Dennis/Getty Images)
Outside chance brings Cink inside group of major winners
Stewart Cink knew that practically everyone wanted Tom Watson to finish off his magical week with a victory. But when his opportunity came, Cink knew he had to make the most of it.
Cink's scorecard | Video: Cink discusses Watson
Despite heartbreak, Watson won't forget amazing week
No one was more disappointed about the Open's finish than Tom Watson, but the grace with which the he handled the aftermath of his gut-wrenching defeat spoke volumes about the champion he is.
Harrington far from downbeat as Open reign ends
Though he couldn't pull off the three-peat, Padraig Harrington believes the swing changes he's implementing are taking hold. And, he says, he'll be a far better competitor down the road.
Wood delighted with tie for third, and what it means
Chris Wood's big finish at Turnberry this week means a big paycheck for the young professional. Even better, he says, is that it earns him spots in both the 2010 Masters and Open at St. Andrews.
Watson's plan for Sunday: Keep following his plan
His magical run this week isn't magic at all, says Tom Watson, but rather simply proper execution of his game plan. He knows the world is watching, and he can't wait to see if he can finish the job.
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