July 19, 2009
Cink meets with local media on Wednesday, July 22
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.
Cink became the fourth Georgia Tech alumnus to win one of golf’s modern major titles, joining Bobby Jones (U.S. and British Opens), Larry Mize (1987 Masters) and David Duval (2001 British Open).
Fellow Tech alum Bryce Molder (class of 2001), who began the day tied with Cink and was his playing partner, shot 77 and finished in a tie for 43rd.
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.
Scroll down to see Cink’s appearance on the David Letterman Show.
News and notes from the Yellow Jackets in professional golf
Scenes from the Jackets in Carlsbad, Calif. (photos by Tim Cowie/Todd Drexler Photography)
Hiroshi Tai ties for 18th, Carson Kim 38th individually after final round
