Harrington Wins British Open

Irishman is first European to charm claret jug away in eight years
By Greg Atwan,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 22, 2007 2:26 PM CDT
Harrington Wins British Open
Spain's Sergio Garcia, reacts after a missed putt on the 18th green, which would have won his the championship during the final round of the British Open Golf Championship at Carnoustie, Scotland, Sunday July 22, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)   (Associated Press)

Ireland's Padraig Harrington became the first European to win the British Open since 1999 today, shooting a 4-under 67 in the final round to force a four-hole playoff with Spain's Sergio Garcia. In one of the tightest finishes the unforgiving Carnoustie Links has ever seen, Harrington hit twice into the Barry Burn on 18 to blow a one-stroke lead over Garcia.

But the Spaniard blew his putt after Harrington double bogeyed, sending the open into extra holes, where Harrington prevailed by a single stroke. "If I'd lost after what happened on 18, I don't know what I would have thought about playing golf again," the 35-year-old Harrington said. (More golf stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X