I’m sure Stewart Cink has his share of fans, but even they were rooting for Tom Watson to win the British Open. How could anybody not want to see Watson pull off the improbable?

One would think that history will not be so kind to  Cink’s breakthrough victory at Turnberry. Lets face it, Watson was the story! And when he missed that 8 foot putt at 18, it seemed like he was done. The look on Watson’s face said it all. He knew he had lost the Open. Yes for the first time all week Tom Watson looked 59 year old. It was as if all the air in Scotland had vanished. When Watson’s feeble putt came up short and right of the hole, it meant new life for Cink who had time to compose himself and prepare for his victory march.

What a shame for Stewart Cink. He’s long been known as one of the nice guys on tour. But who could blame him. He began the day 3 shots behind Watson and at the end of the playoff, he was 6 strokes better. The great Hollywood finish was not to be for Tom Watson. Cink snuck in the back door to capture the senior moment.

But what a great Open championship. Great drama with an unlikely finish. Now that all have left Turnberry’s twisted shoreline, Watson’s name will not be added to the Claret Jug for a 6th time. Instead it reads Stewart Cink, 2009 champion. Not what the world wanted, but that’s just fine for Cink.