For the second time in three years, Ernie Els was in a play-off for The Open but this time lost out to Todd Hamilton.
In 2004, the 38-year-old American was ranked 56th in the world after winning for the first time on the PGA Tour in March but had spent most of his career in Japan. Playing in his fourth Open, he admitted enjoying playing “ugly golf” and his scrambling skills ultimately proved decisive.
Hamilton led Els by a shot in the top two of the leaderboard at the end of the third round. They were paired together for the final round. After a thrilling round of golf, the two were in a deadlock, both sitting on 274 for the tournament.
A Championship playoff was in order at The 133rd Open.
After four tense holes of play, it was the American who would triumph and go on to lift the Claret Jug - thanks to making four consecutive pars, to finish level on the scorecard. While Els dropped shots on the replayed 17th and 18th.
Hamilton was the sixth consecutive American winner at Royal Troon. “I knew I was a decent golfer,” he said.
Take the time to rewatch one of the most closely contested Open Championship finales in history.
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