CARNOUSTIE, Scotland, July 22 (UPI) -- Padraig Harrington defeated Sergio Garcia in a playoff Sunday to win the British Open for his first major and wipe out eight years of European frustration.
Harrington took the four-hole playoff 15-16 to become the first European to win a major tournament since Paul Lawrie won the British event in 1999. Harrington earned his 12th European Tour win and his third PGA Tour victory.
Harrington had a double-bogey on the 72nd hole in regulation, but Garcia followed with a bogey at 18 to force the playoff.
Harrington fired a four-under 67 Sunday, while Garcia managed a two-over 73.
Andres Romero held a two-shot lead on the back nine but faded, finishing alone in third place.
Richard Green matched the Open record at Carnoustie with a seven-under 64 Sunday. He tied for fourth with 2002 winner Ernie Els, who shot a two-under 69, at five-under-par 279.
