Back-to-Back US Seniors Opens For Doyle
American Allen Doyle became the first player in almost twenty years to retain the US Seniors Open on Sunday as he overhauled his illustrious playing partner Tom Watson with a final round of 68 at the Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas.
American Allen Doyle became the first player in almost twenty years to retain the US Seniors Open on Sunday as he overhauled his illustrious playing partner Tom Watson with a final round of 68 at the Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas.
Watson, a resident of Kansas and local hero, dropped three shots in the first six holes - allowing Doyle to prevail by two shots and repeat his stunning 2005 victory, when he carded a final round 63 to snatch the title. He joins Gary Player and Miller Barber as the only back-to-back winners of the prestigious tournament.
The victory adds to Doyle?s extraordinary story, which has more than a whiff of Hollywood about it. In 1994 he finally decided to turn professional at the ripe old age of 46, hoping that modest success would enable him to fund a college education for his children.
Doyle?s long journey to golfing fame and fortune, coupled with his unorthodox swing, has made him everybody?s favourite underdog ? a tag that rests easily on his shoulders.
He held his nerve impressively in the final two holes. After dropping a shot on the 16th he fought straight back with a birdie on 17, before safely making par on the last hole to seal a famous victory.
Key Moment: Doyle makes a birdie on the par-5 17th, just minutes after dropping a shot on the previous hole
Quote, Unquote: ?If you grabbed anyone and they said they were cheering for me they were probably lying. But that?s ok.? Doyle?s acknowledgement of the gallery?s love for Watson.
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