Stewart Cink Described the Victory As Surreal

Stewart Cink won the 138th Open last week and he has described the victory as "surreal". He beat off tough competition against golfing legend Tom Watson.

Cink won by a massive six shots against Watson in the play off after the two had both finished at two under par.
"It's been a surreal experience," said Cink. "Playing against Tom Watson, this stuff just does not happen.

"I grew up watching him - he has turned back the clock and I feel so happy just being part of it."

Cink has not had the best of records at Open championships as he has only ever had one top 10 finish. Also he has only had five PGA Tour victories to his name since turning pro in 1995

"I stand here a little intimidated by this piece of hardware I have in my hand," admitted Cink at the presentation ceremony.

"There are a lot of emotions running through my mind and my heart and I'm so proud to be here with this.
"I've waited a while for this and I don't have a great record at the Open but that's all gone now. And I kissed to my golf sets"

The story could have been a lot different however if Watson had sank his eight foot putt for par on the final hole. Instead he missed and later failed to beat Cink in the playoff. If he had won it would have made history as it would have given him a sixth Open victory.

Cink had a different turn of events on the final hole when he sunk a 14 foot birdie putt to take a final round of 69 and two under.

The world number 33 cited the importance of his putt on the 18th but also highlighted the preparation he had put in beforehand as the keys to his success with quality golf clubs.

"It is the most crucial putt I've ever struck," he said. "Nothing even comes close. It's just such a sweet feeling to hole one at that moment.

"I felt calm all week about the course, and I played some links in Ireland.

"I found my swing before the tournament started and that helped me hit the ball solid and my putting was right on target all week."

The American, Watson, was extremely disappointed that he could have been the oldest ever major champion.
"It would have been a hell of a story, wouldn't it?" said Watson.
"It tears out your gut like it's always torn out my gut. It's not easy to take. I put myself in position to win and didn't do it.

"I hit a lousy putt and the play-off was one bad shot after another. I did not use my golf equipment very well. Stewart did what he had to do and I didn't give him much competition.

"But what I take from this week is a lot of warmth - the crowds were just wonderful to me all week - and a lot of spirituality. And it was good fun."