British Open

[Jay]

Sergio Garcia is leading by two strokes. Will he finally win a major?

Current leaderboard:
Sergio Garcia -9 (65-71-68=204)
Steve Stricker -6 (71-72-64=207)
Padraig Harrington -3 (69-73-68=210)
Paul McGinley -3 (67-75-68=210)
Paul Broadhurst -3 (71-71-68=210)
K.J. Choi -3 (69-69-72=210)
Stewart Cink -3 (69-73-68=210)
Chris DiMarco -3 (74-70-66=210)
Ernie Els -3 (72-70-68=210)

It looks like the tournament is his to lose.

[Dennis]

Sergio Garcia is leading by two strokes. Will he finally win a major?

No.

He will choke it away. He is using one of those old man putters and nobody has ever won a major using one of those. It's so ridiculous looking! :lol

[Jay]

What is an old man putter?

[Dennis]

It's called a belly putter and it's about a foot longer than a normal putter. It is designed to be tucked up on your belly to stabilize your putting.

I called it an old man putter because it seems the older guys with back issues mostly use those.

[Callie]

Every putter for me is an old man putter! :lol Just kidding ;)

Here's a picture of it Jay:
http://i11.tinypic.com/63csccg.jpg

What's nice about a belly putter is that the putter is anchored against the body, and wrist action is easier to control, while you remain in a posture that is close to the ideal.

But they are longer, and the grip is thicker so you putt will be off, especially if you're used to a conventional putter. Also, since the putter is longer, it's harder to gauge your distance.

[Erika]

I am really excited for Sergio! I saw him win the Buick Classic several years ago in Westchester, NY and he was so nice and stopped and signed autographs! Love him and it would be really great if he can just hang on to his lead and win this major.

On the other hand, LOVE LOVE LOVE that Tiger isn't going to win!

SHHH, don't tell my brother :lol

[Dennis]

Tiger is 8 shots back right now. Wanna bet he finishes ahead of Sergio?

[Callie]

HINT TO EVERYONE: NEVER TAKE DENNIS UP ON A SPORTS BET! :lol

[Dennis]

Yes, because I am a HUGE welcher! :p

[Jay]

:lol Love your honesty Dennis.

The belly putters do look odd.

[Callie]

I'm gonna guess then that you've never seen a long putter?

[Jay]

I have. I didn't realize Sergio had switched to one. I did know that he was having problems with the old putter.

Final score:
Padraig Harrington, with a birdie, defeated Sergio Garcia in the first playoff hole.

http://www.tsn.ca/golf/news_story/?ID=214284&hubname=

Open: Harrington beats Garcia in playoff

TSN.ca Staff
7/22/2007 2:37:49 PM

Padraig Harrington birdied the first playoff hole, while Sergio Garcia bogeyed, and the difference held up for Harrington to win the Open Championship at Carnoustie, Scotland.

The pair, both seeking their first major victory, finished with a four-round total of 7-under par, leaving them play a four-hole cumulative-score playoff.

Carnoustie once again proved to be a tough finishing test.

Harrington, 35, put two into Barry Burn on his way to double-bogeying the 18th hole and surrendering the lead. Then Garcia, needing a sand save to win, lipped out a ten-foot putt on the 18th.

Harrington's final-round 67 allowed him to make up a six-stroke deficit entering the final round. Garcia shot a 2-over par 73.

Andres Romero, who briefly held the lead on the back nine, finished at 6-under par while Ernie Els and Richard Green finished at 5-under par.

Green gave hope to those chasing Garcia by proving that a low score was possible. Green was the hottest golfer on the course, shooting a 64.

Looking for his first major victory, Garcia opened the day at 9-under par, and lost some few strokes along the way, opening the door for challengers. The back nine provided a constantly changing leaderboard, with Harrington, Romero and Garcia all taking turns ahead of the pack.

Mike Weir, of Bright's Grove, Ontario, shot a 1-under 70, giving him a 3-under par total for the Championship, putting him in a tie for 8th place.

Tiger Woods shot a 1-under par 70 to finish tied for 12th at minus-2.