Southport, Britain - Ireland's Padraig Harrington successfully defended his British Open title at Royal Birkdale Sunday as a final round one under par 69 secured a total of 283 and a four shot victory over England's Ian Poulter. Poulter set a target of 287 after also shooting a 69 and although Harrington suffered a slight wobble at the end of his outward nine, bogeying three holes in succession, birdies at 13 and 15 as well as a superb eagle at the par-five 17th left the 36-year-old with a four shot lead with just one hole to play.
Harrington ensured there would be no repeat of the tension of his play-off victory over Sergio Garcia last year at Scotland's Carnoustie as a perfect tee shot on the 18th was followed by an iron to the heart of the green.
He then safely two-putted for par to retain the Claret Jug for another year.
"I had a great year as the Open champion and I don't know how long I can keep doing it," said Harrington.
"Back-to-back, I'm thrilled I have done it."
Second-placed Poulter started his final round poorly, bogeying two of the opening holes, but birdied the ninth to go out in 35. The 32- year-old then birdied 11 and 16 as well as salvaging a par on 18 with a massive seven-metre putt.
Overnight leader Greg Norman, who won this major in 1986 and 1993, started the day two shots clear of playing partner Harrington but had the worst possible start, bogeying the opening three holes.
Another bogey followed at the sixth as the 53-year-old Australian went out in 38. Four more bogeys followed on the back nine as well as a birdie on the meaning Norman had to be satisfied with a tie for third with Sweden's Henrik Stenson after shooting a 77 for a nine over par total of 289.
American Jim Furyk finished one shot further adrift, level with leading amateur, Chris Wood of England.
