Harrington Wins British Open

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) -- Padraig Harrington almost gave away his first major championship today. Sergio Garcia stunningly gave it right back.<br/><br/>Harrington needed a four-hole playoff to beat

Sunday, July 22nd 2007, 2:22 pm

By: News On 6

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) -- Padraig Harrington almost gave away his first major championship today. Sergio Garcia stunningly gave it right back.

Harrington needed a four-hole playoff to beat Garcia and capture the British Open at Carnoustie. The Irishman took the lead for good with a birdie on the first extra hole following a disastrous experience at the end of regulation.

Harrington held the lead heading to the final hole of regulation before he sent two shots into the water en route to a double-bogey. That gave Garcia an opportunity to win the tournament as he approached the 18th green. But Garcia missed a ten-footer for par,
giving Harrington a second chance to earn his first major title.

Harrington shot a final-round 4-under-par 67 for a 7-under total. He grabbed the lead with an eagle on 14 and followed that with three pars before heading to 18.

Garcia entered the day with a three-stroke lead and was four shots ahead following a birdie on the third hole.

Andres Romero finished third at 6-under, one shot ahead of Ernie Els and Richard Green.