Russ Cochran holds off Calcavecchia and Watson in Senior Open

American Russ Cochran won the Senior British Open by two shots, holding off the challenge of fellow countrymen Mark Calcavecchia and the fast-finishing Tom Watson to capture his first major title.

The 52-year-old Cochran claimed prize money of around 190,000 after making six birdies in a nerveless five-under 67 in his final round at Walton Heath, closing at 12-under. The left-hander picked up all his shots in the first 10 holes, opening a five-shot lead. He remained unruffled in the testing closing stretch despite a bogey on the 14th that cut his advantage to two shots.

It was Cochran's third victory on the Champions Tour but his first this season. "It's a big hump I've got over there," said Cochran, whose son, Reed, was carrying his bag. "To do it in a major and on this golf course means so much. And to do it with the kids here, it's even better." Cochran's elder son, Ryan, was the caddie for Mike Goodes this week.

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Calcavecchia had shared the overnight lead with Cochran and South Africa's David Frost, but finished runner-up and was left to regret four-putting from 15 feet on the par three ninth for a double-bogey.

Looking for a record fourth success at the Senior British Open, Watson was tied for third with compatriot Corey Pavin (69) at nine-under after shooting a vintage 67. England's Barry Lane made 70 to finish fifth at eight-under.

Cochran was playing just his second tournament after injuring his wrist during the second round of the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf tournament in late April, keeping him out for two months.

He returned at Pebble Beach two weeks ago for the Nature Valley First Tee Open, finishing tied for tenth. "I liked him better when he was injured," Calcavecchia said, with a smile.

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