Monday, July 21, 2008

SOUTHPORT, England (AP) - Padraig Harrington is celebrating the first back-to-back British Open championship by a European golfer in more than 100 years. The Irishman locked up the 137th British Open with an eagle on the 17th hole en route to a final-round 1-under-par 69. Harrington finished four strokes ahead of Ian Poulter, who also shot a final-round 69.
     

Australia's Greg Norman started play with a two-shot lead in his valiant attempt at a third Open title. But the 53-year-old, part-time golfer bogeyed his opening three holes and signed for a 7-over 77. He finished 9-over and tied for third with Sweden's Henrik Stenson. Jim Furyk was the top U.S. finisher, tying for fifth with amateur Chris Wood.
     

The 36-year-old Harrington is the first European since James Braid in 1905 and '06 to win golf's oldest championship two straight years.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)