Padraig Harrington became the first European in over a century to retain the British Open title with a courageous final round that was restricted by a grand eagle on the 17th hole at Royal Birkdale on Sunday.
The Irishman, who came from six shots back to win at Carnoustie last year, upturned Greg Norman's two-shot overnight lead and left the rest of the field straggling with a one-under-par 69 that left him with a total of 283 for four rounds played in some of the toughest conditions in Open history.
Ian Poulter matched Harrington's final round score but had to stay for second place, four shots back, while Norman's dream of becoming the oldest winner of a major had died long before Harrington drilled his five-wood second on the 572-yard 17th to within six feet of the pin.
By the time he had reached the 18th top, the Dubliner's name had already been imprinted for a second time on the Old Claret Jug, and a secure parity on the final hole allowed him to finish in style.
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