Advantage, Cink: 1-shot lead over Tom Watson in British Open four-hole playoff

Cink takes 1-shot lead in playoff with Watson

TURNBERRY, Scotland — Stewart Cink has claimed a one-stroke lead in his playoff with 59-year-old Tom Watson, who squandered a chance for a historic victory in regulation.

Watson missed an 8-foot putt to win on the 72nd hole, forcing a four-hole playoff with Cink on Sunday.

At the first extra hole, No. 5, both players put their approach shots in greenside bunkers, but only Cink could get up-and-down for par. Watson hit an ugly sand shot that just cleared the lip of the pot bunker, and needed two more putts for a bogey that gave Cink the early edge.

The playoff also includes the sixth, 17th and 18th holes.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

TURNBERRY, Scotland (AP) — Fifty-nine-year-old Tom Watson is heading to a four-hole playoff with Stewart Cink at the British Open after squandering a chance for a historic victory in regulation.

Watson missed an 8-foot putt to win on the 72nd hole.

Watson pulled ahead with a tap-in birdie at the par-5 17th, then made things tough at the final hole when he muscled his approach shot past the flag. From the back fringe, he putted 8 feet past the flag on the other side, and he didn’t come close on the potential winning putt.

The bogey left him with a 2-over 72 for the round and a 2-under 278 total. Cink, playing four groups ahead, made a birdie at the 18th hole for a 69.

Watson, a five-time Open champion, is trying to become the oldest major champion in golf history.