- Last Day
Of The Championship -Saturday, 20 July 2008
Report by Sally Devine &
photos by Patrick Trollope
-
THE stage was set for a
grandstand finish today at the Open with Padraig Harrington going
for his second Claret jug in succession. Seasoned campaigner, Greg
Norman was paired with Harrington and hoping to roll back the years
with a third win overall.
The two of them went head to head around the course, the large
crowds for the last day giving the pair plenty of vocal
encouragement.
Norman's touch deserted him over the last few holes as Harrington
remained steady and was able to stride up the fairway of the 18th
green knowing that barring a disaster, he would retain the title he
won last year. The crowd stood as one to greet both the champion in
waiting and Norman who had pushed him all the way. Harrington gave
the crowd an anxious moment, taking 2 shots to make the final hole
on the green before punching the air in delight as the realisation
of his win sank in. The Final score for him was 283 and a final day
of 69, which is 1 under par in the better weather conditions. Greg
Norman finished joint third on 289, along with Henrik Stenson.
Young Englishman ,Ian Poulter, with his aggressive approach to the
game was a surprise late contender for the title; his fine second
place bodes well for the future, 287 being his score. Fifth and
sixth place went to Jim Furyk from the USA and leading amateur Chris
Wood.
Wood's performance was nothing short of magnificent, the young man
from Bristol was not overawed by the occasion and richly deserved
the silver award for the top amateur in the competition. His total
was 290 and at one stage in the proceedings was only three shots off
the lead On Ian Poulter he said:- "Amazing he is such a great
player, I was pleased for him to see him holing that putt on the
last hole."
Weather wise the day began with heavy showers for the early starters
but by lunchtime Royal Birkdale was bathed in sunshine as the crowds
flocked in. Attendance for today was 40, 000 which was nearly six
thousand up on Finals day last time the Open was held at Birkdale.
Total figures for the week are 201, 500 which are more than
initially expected with the inclement weather.
One of the favourites, Sergio Garcia, faded badly over the last 2
days eventually finishing joint 51st on 297 over the four days. He
said:- "Whatever chances I had today I threw them away on the
back nine. I just went brain dead, my body just didn't react to my
thoughts. I couldn't think straight and didn't make any good
decisions"
Colin Montgomerie fared even worse ending the day on 298, his
thoughts on the week:-"I don't know what you can take out of
it; I had to drive the ball better and hit my irons better. It was
all wind and keeping it down and getting it up whatever the case
might be. It was difficult all round so those who have kept it
around par have done very well."
With reference to Greg Norman's display, Monty said:- "It
proves this game has longevity that other sports don't have. If you
keep yourself in shape and are mentally aware it's always possible."
K J Choi, who many thought could win at Royal Birkdale, commented:-
"My putting was bad and continued today. I had no feel for my
putting and it was similar today especially with the windy
conditions. I feel I am close to winning a major; I'm not that far
away. I learned a lot this week, I am not disappointed."
For this final day most players added a humorous touch to
proceedings by having animals as their golf club covers, with
stuffed cats, chickens and rhinos for an example! Pablo Larrazabal
from Spain was having fun on the course; he celebrated by dancing in
delight on the green as he sank his putt.
Padraig Harrington, in his press conference later, said referring to
his wrist problem earlier in the week:- "Beware of the injured
golfer, this took all the pressure off me it was a nice
psychological distraction for me. I was not aware of Poulter's score
during the game, I heard a big cheer over on the 14th and thought he
may have scored a birdie, but I was confident in my play I felt I
was hitting the ball as well as I possibly could. I knew I could
win"
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