Adam Scott of Australia had never won a Major before in his career, though he had come across a few close calls over the years. The British Open ended up being yet another frustrating close call to add to his collection, as he melted down late to hand the Claret Jug to longshot Ernie Els.
Scott had put together an impressive four stroke lead with four holes to go, but bogeyed the first three en route to a missed putt that could have forced a playoff. Instead, Els ended up holding the trophy in the end, his fourth Major title and his second win at the British Open.
Tiger Woods had been the favorite from the beginning in the tourney, but had a triple bogeyed hole late in the proceedings to essentially knock himself out. His almost four-year-long major title drought will continue, as he finished only in third place with a 3-under score. Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson, also favored contenders at the start, did not fare too well with Mickelson missing the first cut and Watson barely scraping it. Watson ended up tied for 23rd.
Michigan graduate Justin Hicks did well for himself early on in the tournament by earning a 2-over score at the first cut which kept him in, but slowly sank as the rounds kept going and ended up with a 6-over score, good only for 45th place.
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