Cink ends Watson's fairytale comeback

A bogey on the 18th hole of the fourth round of the 2009 British Open cost Tom Watson a historic win at the Turnberry links on Sunday afternoon.

The 59 year old strode out onto the 18th hole with a one shot lead, needing only to score par to win his 6th Open Championship title. However, a wayward putt on the greens saw Watson squander his lead, forcing a playoff with Stewart Cink.

Cink seized his repreive with both hands, racing to a 1 shot lead over Watson on the first hole of the playoff. Unable to handle the sustained pressure, Watson’s game folded, and the golfing legend was soon out of the reckoning as Cink built a 4 shot lead, winning the playoff with ease.

“It just tips the iceberg," Cink told the BBC after putting paid to Watson’s hopes of a fairytale ending. It has been a surreal experience for me, playing a wonderful tournament on a wonderful course against Tom Watson.”

"I grew up watching him. He has turned back the clock. I feel so happy just to have been a part of it, never mind having won."

England’s Chris Woods and Lee Westwood finished the tournament tied for 3rd place, after late bogeys cost both players a place in the playoff. Luke Donald, Retief Goosen Mathew Goggin finished tied for fifth with their tournament scores on par.