Lefty Cochran wins Senior British Open
Russ Cochran of the USA poses with the trophy after the final round of the Senior Open Championship played at Walton Heath Golf Club in Tadworth, England. (July 24, 2011) Credit: Getty
WALTON ON THE HILL, England -- Russ Cochran toasted a family victory at the Senior British Open Sunday, capturing his first major title with his son as caddie to maintain the United States' recent dominance of the tournament.
With his 25-year-old son Reed carrying his bag, Cochran shot a second straight 5-under-par 67 in the final round at Walton Heath to win by two shots over compatriot Mark Calcavecchia.
"He relaxed me out there," Cochran said of Reed, who is on his summer break from law school. "He made me smile and was great to be with."
Ryan, the eldest son of Cochran, 52, was also present to witness his father's first victory on this year's Champions Tour -- he was caddying for another American, Mike Goodes.
"It's a big hump I've got over there," said Cochran, whose victory qualifies him for next year's British Open at Royal Lytham. "To do it in a major and on this golf course means so much. And to do it with the kids here, it's even better."
Cochran became the eighth player from the United States in the last nine years to win the Senior British Open. He achieved the biggest victory of his career by staying consistent on the tee and rolling in a series of pressure putts, closing the tournament at 12 under for a winner's check of $310,000.
He made six birdies in the first 10 holes -- two coming on the first two holes -- to open up a five-shot lead as Calcavecchia, who shared the overnight lead with Cochran and South Africa's David Frost, dropped back by four-putting from 15 feet on the par-3 No. 9.
Cochran's bogey on No. 14, combined with Calcavecchia's birdies on Nos. 12 and 15, trimmed the lead to two shots. But the champion-elect parred his way home, looking completely unruffled.
Tom Watson, 61, looking for a record fourth Open title, rolled back the years with a vintage 67 to finish tied for third with 2010 runner-up Corey Pavin at 9 under. England's Barry Lane (70) was the highest-placed European, a shot back in fifth.
"I enjoy the type of golf it is," Cochran said, referring to links style. "I am more single-minded over here, and I just love the golf over here."
His only previous British Open was in 1992, when he tied for 28th at Muirfield.
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