The moment many scribes were already calling "The Greatest in the History of Golf" never materialized Sunday, as the most sentimental favorite of all-time, at least for this weekend, Tom Watson finally broke down one putt shy of claiming his sixth Claret Jug.
Upon first glance Stewart Cink will appear as the ultimate benefactor of Watson's missed opportunity, which became so sad midway through the 17th hole I could barely watch, but it's Watson's peer and dueling partner at Turnberry in 1997 who stands tall in golf's history books after this weekend.
When Jack Nicklaus shocked the golf world and won The Masters in 1986 at the age of 46, many hailed his unexpected victory as golf's greatest. At 59, Watson's achievement would have blow Nicklaus' win out of the water. I'd also like to point out that at least among my generation, that historic performance is most certainly the moment that defines the Golden Bear's career. Bullet dodged.
Most Tiger Woods chatter in the immediate wake of a major champioship is unnecessarily over the top, with the exception of a few instances (Masters 97, Pebble Beach 2000, Torrey Pines 08), but with each passing major that Tiger doesn't win, reason leads me to believe that the percentage chance of Woods not reaching Nicklaus' record of 18 major championships gets a tad better. If you watched Watson play the 72nd hole Sunday, you can't really believe in foregone conclusions, can you?
So your records are safe for another day Jack, but I'm sure that will only come as a small consolation after watching your friend limp to the finish line.