Tom Watson has waited 26 years to win his ninth major, and after a "no way that's got a chance" putt to save par on the 18th green came up woefully short, he'll have to wait at least four more holes. The 59-year-old five-time British Open champion now heads to a playoff with Stewart Cink to decide the 138th Open Championship.
Playing two groups in front of Watson, Cink needed a birdie on the 72nd hole to get to the clubhouse in 2-under. Watson, who birdied the par-5, 17th to get to 3-under, found the fairway on the final hole, before an adrenaline-fueled 8-iron went over the green and he couldn't get up and down.
Now it's a four-hole playoff. Watson and Cink will play the 5th (par 4), 6th (par 3), 17th (par 5), and 18th (par 4), best score wins. If they're tied after that, they'll keep playing the 18th until somebody comes out on top.
Ironically, Watson's Achilles heel late in his career has been his short putting; it finally caught up to him on the last hole. We'll know shortly if it has any lingering effects.
The last time the Open Championship went to extra holes was in 2007 when Padraig Harrington outlasted Sergio Garcia.
Latest British Open Photos
Tom Watson of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd after his birdie putt on the 11th green during the final round of the British Open championship at the Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland July 19, 2009. REUTERS/Mike Blake (BRITAIN SPORT GOLF)
Reuters
Tom Watson of the US reacts after missing a putt on the 14th green during the final round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Turnberry golf course, Scotland, Sunday, July 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
AP
Tom Watson of the US reacts after missing a putt on the 13th hole during the final round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Turnberry golf course, Scotland, Sunday, July 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
AP
Tom Watson of the U.S. reacts after his bogey putt on the ninth green during the final round of the British Open championship at the Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland July 19, 2009. REUTERS/Mike Blake (BRITAIN SPORT GOLF)
Reuters
English golfer Lee Westwood drives from the 9th tee, on the final day of the 138th British Open Championship at Turnberry Golf Course in south west Scotland, on July 19, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Adrian Dennis (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
English golfer Lee Westwood drives from the 9th tee, on the final day of the 138th British Open Championship at Turnberry Golf Course in south west Scotland, on July 19, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Adrian Dennis (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Lee Westwood of England lines up his putt on the 13th green during the final round of the British Open championship at the Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland July 19, 2009. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh (BRITAIN SPORT GOLF)
Reuters
US golfer Tom Watson drives from the 10th tee, on the final day of the 138th British Open Championship at Turnberry Golf Course in south west Scotland, on July 19, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Adrian Dennis (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Australian golfer Mathew Goggin drives from the 10th tee, on the final day of the 138th British Open Championship at Turnberry Golf Course in south west Scotland, on July 19, 2009. AFP PHOTO/Adrian Dennis (Photo credit should read ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
Mathew Goggin of Australia plays out of a bunker on the 14th hole during the final round of the British Open Golf championship, at the Turnberry golf course, Scotland, Sunday, July 19, 2009. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
AP
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-19-2009 @ 2:39PM
Ognir Rats said...
I am overwhelmed with heartache right now watching the Open Championship @ turnberry. This is now the headline for the morning papers: Cink, sinks Watson in playoff!!!! all of the putts made in "this" Major by Watson from 60 feet and many others from distances came down to one uphill 8 foot par on the final hole that Watson missed terribly!! Nonetheless, God Bless You Tom, for a MEMORABLE event for the ages the should have gone to you. Just one or two feet less on the 72nd hole approach shot and he would have a short putt for birdie or at least an easy two putt end for an unimaginable victory two months shy of 60 years young!!!
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