Stewart Cink is the new Open champion, snatching the title from the hands of Tom Watson in a four-hole play off after they tied on a two- under-par total of 278.

Watson, who had turned the clock back all week, ran out of time in his bid to win his sixth Open over the same course where he won his second in 1977. The dream ended in anti-climatic fashion as the 59- year-old five-time champion wearied over the extra holes and destroyed his chances when he took two shots to force himself clear of the thick rough to the left of the 17th fairway. As they walked off that green he trailed 36-year-old Cink by four shots.

The final hole was a formality. Watson blocked his tee shot into the crowd and was in rough short of the green in two. Cink hit two perfect shots to less then three feet and tapped in the winning putt. Watson, sadly, trailed by six shots.

Unfortunately for the talented Cink, who has earned his place in the higher echelons of the game, he was cast in the role of villain.

Playing in his 50th Major Championship, Cink created his shot at the title with a round of 69, making up three shots on Watson over the final 18 holes. He has won five tournaments on the US PGA Tour over the past 12 years and has played in 11 Opens with a previous best of
tied for sixth at Carnoustie in 2007.

He took up the game when his parents, both single handicap players, left him at the driving range before he was old enough to go on the course.

“I grew up watching Tom Watson on television and hoped I could one day follow in his footsteps,” said Cink. “I never expected to be playing against him. It has been a surreal experience on one of my favourite courses in this wonderful championship.”