Padraig Harrington has become the first Irishman to win the British Open in 60 years, defeating Spain's Sergio Garcia by one stroke in a four-hole playoff at Carnoustie, Scotland.
Garcia slumped to a two-over-par final round of 73 Sunday, while Harrington fired a four-under 67. They ended regulation play tied with seven-under-par totals of 277. Garcia had a chance win his first major on the final regulation hole but his three-meter putt lipped out of the cup.
Harrington birdied the first playoff hole to take a two-shot lead when Garcia carded a bogey. Both men parred the next two holes. When Garcia's birdie attempt on the final playoff hole failed, Harrington sank a one-meter bogey putt to claim the claret jug.
Andres Romero of Argentina took third place at 278 with a wild final round of 67 that included an eagle, 10 birdies and two double-bogeys.
World number-one Tiger Woods of the United States was never in contention to win his 13th major, starting the day eight strokes behind final-round leader Garcia. Woods shot a 70 on Sunday and finished tied for 12th place with a two-under-par total of 282.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP.
