Scotsman claims title

CARNOUSTIE SCOTLAND, JULY 19: Paul Lawrie won the most sensational finish ever seen at an Open Championship here last night when he won...

CARNOUSTIE SCOTLAND, JULY 19: Paul Lawrie won the most sensational finish ever seen at an Open Championship here last night when he won a three-man play-off 8212; beating Justin Leonard and overnight leader Jean Van de Velde.

Lawrie8217;s victory drove the Scots in the packed stands into a frenzy 8212; the 30-year-old becoming the first Scot to win an Open in Scotland since Tommy Armour, here in 1931.

8220;It can8217;t get any better,8221; said an emotional Lawrie. 8220;I can8217;t believe it. I never thought I would get into a play-off,8221; he added.

8220;With the way the course has been set up I would have to say it is the best round of golf I have ever played,8221; said Lawrie of his closing 67.

World No 2 David Duval finished 22 over par, former two-time US Open champion Lee Janzen was a heart breaking 27 over par.

It was also a heartbreak for Leonard.

The 1997 Open champion was stunned in the play-off when he dropped his second shot into the burn protecting the 18th green to kill off his chances to beating Lawrie, who showed ice-cool nerves by hitting his approach to within five feet.

Only an hour earlier Leonard had made exactly the same mistake as he played the final hole.

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8220;I lost the British Open twice on the same day,8221; lamented Leonard.

But it was a four hole play-off that should never have happened after the three finished 72 holes in 6-over 2908217;s.

De Velde drove off the 18th tee with a three-shot lead and poised to become the first Frenchman since Arnaud Massy in 1907 to win the Open, but then blew it in sensational fashion.

Sponsored by Disneyland outside Paris, Van de Velde suddenly began to play like Mickey Mouse.

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The play-off was equally sensational as they drove at the 15th. A shell-shocked Van de Velde smashed his drive into a gorse bush while Leonard and Lawrie sent their drives into deep rough as the rain began to pour.

In the end, Leonard and Lawrie bogeyed the hole while Van de Velde carded a double bogey six.

For Australian Craig Parry it was a heartbreak day as he threw away victory by dropping four shots in two holes after taking the lead. But the 32-year-old said he was even sorrier for his playing partner Van de Velde.

Tiger Woods, who started the day seven behind the leader, was unable to make a move, his putter refusing to catch fire.

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Hole after hole the 23-year-old world No 1 saw birdie attempt after birdie attempt shave the hole.

Starting to show his frustration, Woods unleashed a wild drive on the 479-yard par-4 12th that flew into the rough. With the ball two feet above him he blocked his second in a gorse bush, was forced to take a drop and ended with a double bogey six that left his championship hopes in tatters.