Cink wins The Open
Tom Watson’s putt on the 18th hole showed you just can’t beat nerves. Experience and age are no match for this flaw in the human psyche. In fact, if anything it appears the opposite is true. Inexperience and youth are probably the best attributes to combat nerves or have the name Tiger Woods.
Stewart Cink then became the first twittering golfer to win a major golf championship by beating a tiring Watson in a four hole playoff. Despite looking a little like a caddie at the US Masters, Cink was solid and claimed the Open Championship. Apart from his green shirt, the one thing that distinguished him from the rest of the contenders was a good back nine. Bogeys abounded and ruined the chances of Westwood, Goggin and Goosen.
Goggin’s birdie putt to go one shot in front on 13 may have changed things. He pushed it just wide and although getting up and down for par on the 14th the nerves were beginning to show. His short iron play couldn’t set himself up for any more birdies. He hung in there and despite it being a cliche, will be better for the experience.
(AP photo/Peter Morrison)
I think Jim Nantz said it best on his little guest stint on the BBC coverage, “Has there ever been a member of a final pairing at the Open as overlooked as Mathew Goggin?”. No Jim, there hasn’t, which is a shame, as he’s becoming one heck of a player. Didn’t quite work out for him on Sunday but he’s gonna do well.
Absolutely gutted that Tom didn’t make it. It would have been so richly deserved. Once you look past the disappointment I think you realise he gave us one of the most enjoyable Opens ever.