Brad wide awake to nightmare
AMERICAN Brad Bryant took advantage of a nightmare finish by Tom Watson to win the US Senior Open by three shots today (AEST).
Five off the pace overnight, Bryant fired a four-under-par 68, in blustery conditions at Whistling Straits, for a six-under total of 282.
The 52-year-old completed the second biggest comeback in the tournament’s history, eclipsed only by compatriot Allen Doyle, who overturned a nine-stroke deficit to win at NCR Country Club in 2005.
Third-round leader Watson, three ahead with eight holes to play, tumbled back into fourth place at one-under after closing with a 78 that featured three double-bogeys after the turn.
Twice-Masters champion Ben Crenshaw carded a 70 to finish alone in second, one ahead of fellow American Loren Roberts (74).
“Dreams do come true and miracles happen,” said a beaming Bryant after clinching his fourth victory on the senior Champions Tour.
“I just hit the ball very solidly the whole week long, which in the wind was good.”
Bryant, who shot the best round of the day, steadily inched his way up the leaderboard by picking up four shots on the front 9.
He briefly moved into a share of the lead with a tap-in birdie at the par-five 11th, before Watson edged ahead at the par-four ninth after hitting a superb approach to four feet.
Eight-time Major winner Watson then regained his three-stroke cushion with another birdie at the 10th, before his round spectacularly unravelled.
The 57-year-old found a pot bunker off the tee at the 11th on his way to a double-bogey seven, and dropped six more shots over the closing stretch as the winds strengthened.
Bryant, playing two holes ahead of Watson, wobbled with bogeys on 12 and 14 but effectively sealed victory with another birdie at the 535-yard 16th, which stretched his lead to three.
He narrowly missed a six-foot birdie putt at the par-three 17th and comfortably parred the last before raising his right arm, with cap in hand, to acknowledge the roars from the crowd.
Agence France-Presse