Bear
07-27-2008, 01:14 PM
(CNN) -- Bruce Vaughan took advantage of a back nine collapse by fellow American John Cook to win the Senior British Open at Royal Troon in a playoff on Sunday.
Vaughan took the title as he sunk as 20-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole while Cook's effort slid agonizingly wide.
Cook led by three strokes after 10 holes of the final round and went to the 72nd still leading Vaughan by a shot.
But Cook sent his tee shot into the rough and had a bogey five to finish with an even-par 71 and a total of six-under 278.
Argentina's Eduardo Romero also wasted his opportunity as he missed an eight-foot par putt on the 18th and finished third, one shot behind.
Germany's Bernhard Langer produced the shot of the final day at the 11th as his approach hit the hole on his way to a birdie, but had to settle for fourth place at four-under, while Greg Norman's victory chances were also frustrated.
The Australian, who was tied third behind Padraig Harrington at the British Open last week, finished strongly with a three-under 68, but saw his slim victory hopes ended by a double bogey on the 17th.
Norman, who started poorly with a four-over 75, ended in a tie for fifth at two-under, the same mark as three-time Senior Open winner Tom Watson and Gene Jones.
This was a great Tournament to watch. Tip your cap to Vaughan who has never won a major tournament of any kind.:toast:
Vaughan took the title as he sunk as 20-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole while Cook's effort slid agonizingly wide.
Cook led by three strokes after 10 holes of the final round and went to the 72nd still leading Vaughan by a shot.
But Cook sent his tee shot into the rough and had a bogey five to finish with an even-par 71 and a total of six-under 278.
Argentina's Eduardo Romero also wasted his opportunity as he missed an eight-foot par putt on the 18th and finished third, one shot behind.
Germany's Bernhard Langer produced the shot of the final day at the 11th as his approach hit the hole on his way to a birdie, but had to settle for fourth place at four-under, while Greg Norman's victory chances were also frustrated.
The Australian, who was tied third behind Padraig Harrington at the British Open last week, finished strongly with a three-under 68, but saw his slim victory hopes ended by a double bogey on the 17th.
Norman, who started poorly with a four-over 75, ended in a tie for fifth at two-under, the same mark as three-time Senior Open winner Tom Watson and Gene Jones.
This was a great Tournament to watch. Tip your cap to Vaughan who has never won a major tournament of any kind.:toast: