American Allen Doyle became the first player in almost twenty years to retain the US Seniors Open on Sunday as he overhauled his illustrious playing partner Tom Watson with a final round of 68 at the Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas.
Watson, a resident of Kansas and local hero, dropped three shots in the first six holes - allowing Doyle to prevail by two shots and repeat his stunning 2005 victory, when he carded a final round 63 to snatch the title. He joins Gary Player and Miller Barber as the only back-to-back winners of the prestigious tournament.
The victory adds to Doyle?s extraordinary story, which has more than a whiff of Hollywood about it. In 1994 he finally decided to turn professional at the ripe old age of 46, hoping that modest success would enable him to fund a college education for his children.
Doyle?s long journey to golfing fame and fortune, coupled with his unorthodox swing, has made him everybody?s favourite underdog ? a tag that rests easily on his shoulders.
He held his nerve impressively in the final two holes. After dropping a shot on the 16th he fought straight back with a birdie on 17, before safely making par on the last hole to seal a famous victory.
Key Moment: Doyle makes a birdie on the par-5 17th, just minutes after dropping a shot on the previous hole
Quote, Unquote: ?If you grabbed anyone and they said they were cheering for me they were probably lying. But that?s ok.? Doyle?s acknowledgement of the gallery?s love for Watson.
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