Watson in final-hole triumph

Published on 02/09/2003 01:00

TOM Watson made sure a play-off was not needed by draining a four-foot birdie putt on the final hole to capture The Tradition, the final major this season on the Champions Tour.

It was a logjam on top of the leaderboard heading into the par-five 18th hole as Tom Kite, Gil Morgan and third-round leader Jim Ahern all were tied at 14-under, but Watson prevailed with a three-under-par 69 for a 15-under 273 total.

It was the American’s second major win this season on the Champions Tour and third of his career, having also won the Senior British Open in July.

Watson recovered from Saturday’s disappointing third round, when he started the day with a four-shot lead but stumbled to a 73. His final round included four birdies and two bogeys. Ahern, Kite and Morgan all finished at 14-under 274.

Seeking his first major, Ahern started the day with a one-shot lead but endured an inconsistent final round that included an eagle and four bogeys.