Watson exploits Smyth’s weakest link

SCOTTISH links specialist Tom Watson won the Senior British Open for the second time in three years after triumphing in a three hole play-off against Ireland’s Des Smyth at the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.

Just like in 2003 at Turnberry, the 55-year-old American needed extra holes - three - to take the £157,800 first prize with the 51-year-old Smyth collecting £105,250.

Watson, a five-time Open winner - four of which were at Muirfield, Turnberry, Royal Troon and Carnoustie, prevailed in the play-off after the pair had tied at four under.

As both players parred the 18th twice the third hole switched to the par-three 17th where Smyth found sand off the tee and blasted out but could not hole his 20-foot par putt.

Watson two-putted from the back of the green for his first victory in more than two years having won the Tradition major on the Seniors Tour just a month after his British Seniors Open.

“This trophy certainly means something to me,” said a delighted Watson.

“It was something of a struggle and it looked as if we could have played that 18th hole all night and still been locked together. But we eventually got to seventeen and Des made an error. Fortunately I’ve now got the cup in my hands,” said Watson,

“This is a beautiful course - everything you look for in a links test. We got to know it better over the last two rounds and that showed in the scoring.”

For his part Smyth, was philosophical about his defeat.

“I shot 68-67 over the weekend, so I played well over the last two rounds.

“I had a couple of three putts and you can’t do that against this class of opposition. I hit a poor tee shot at the 17th. My concentration maybe just lapsed a bit, but Tom’s a great champion,” Smyth said.

Overnight leader Watson was caught by Greg Norman and Smyth and although the Australian dropped off the pace as his round progressed, the Irishman virtually matched his American counterpart shot for shot from the eighth onwards.

Europe’s Ryder Cup vice-captain had a lucky escape at the last when his wayward drive missed the gorse and he was able to produce a good enough recovery to save par and finish with a 67 to tie with Watson, who shot 70 and who has now secured a twelfth Major Championship and his fourth in the Senior ranks.

Although it was too late to impact on the men battling it out for overall honours, Norman holed a 25-foot birdie putt at the last for a 68 to finish three under and earn a cheque for £59,250, while Craig Stadler shot a 72 for a one-under-par total and good enough for fourth place.