Turnberry, Scotland - Stewart Cink ended Tom Watson's hopes of becoming the oldest man in history to win a golfing major when he prevailed in a play-off over his fellow American to win the 138th British Open at Turnberry. Both players finished tied on 2-under after 72 holes for totals of 278 but Cink proved far the stronger over the four play-off holes to win the first major of his career.
Watson came close though, missing a four-metre putt on the last for par that would have seen the 59-year-old card a 71 instead of 72 and win the Claret Jug for a sixth time.
Cink, meanwhile, sank a long-range for birdie on the same hole, which he described as "the most crucial putt that i have ever struck in my life", to register a 69 and set up a two-man battle with Watson over 5, 6, 17 and 18.
Despite the full backing of a partisan crowd at the Ayrshire course, the extra holes took their toll on Watson as Cink, who has recorded only two top-10 finishes this year, eased to victory.
"It's been a surreal experience for me, not only playing one of my favourite courses in a wonderful tournament but playing against Tom Watson," said Cink.
"I haven't had the best year but I hit the ball solid all week."
Although both players sent their second shots into bunkers on the opening par-4 fifth play-off hole, the world number 33 managed to salvage a par to go one shot clear as Watson's long-range par putt came up short.
Watson found himself in further bother on the par-3 sixth, as he sent his tee-shot wide right, leaving a difficult pitch, while Cink got a fortunate bounce off a bank to send his ball to the centre of the green.
Cink managed to get down safely in two to register a second straight par while Watson produced a fantastic up and down to remain just one shot behind the 36-year-old.
Watson's challenge collapsed on the par-5 17th, however, as he carded a double-bogey 7 and Cink scored a birdie. The veteran fared no better on 18, eventually losing the play-off by a disappointing six shots.
Lee Westwood missed out on his chance of victory after bogeying three of the last four holes, although the Englishman also narrowly missed sinking an eagle on 17 that would have seen him go to the final hole as clear leader on 3-under.
Instead, Westwood bogeyed the last to miss out on a play-off place.
"I played pretty well again and got myself into a great position," said Westwood. "I'm feeling fairly low now after three-putting the last."
England's Chris Wood also dropped a shot at the last to finish joint third with Westwood at 1-under.
Compatriot Luke Donald finished one shot further back in fifth, level with double US Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa Australian Mathew Goggin.
Italian teenager Matteo Manassero secured the silver medal awarded to the leading amateur after the 16-year-old ended with a round of 69 for a total of 2-over.
