Back-to-Back US Seniors Opens For Doyle
- Tuesday, 11 July 2006
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American Allen Doyle became the first player in almost twenty years to retain the US Seniors Open on Sunday as he overhauled his illustrious playing partner Tom Watson with a final round of 68 at the Prairie Dunes Country Club in Kansas.
Watson, a resident of Kansas and local hero, dropped three shots in the first six holes - allowing Doyle to prevail by two shots and repeat his stunning 2005 victory, when he carded a final round 63 to snatch the title. He joins Gary Player and Miller Barber as the only back-to-back winners of the prestigious tournament.
The victory adds to Doyle’s extraordinary story, which has more than a whiff of Hollywood about it. In 1994 he finally decided to turn professional at the ripe old age of 46, hoping that modest success would enable him to fund a college education for his children.
Doyle’s long journey to golfing fame and fortune, coupled with his unorthodox swing, has made him everybody’s favourite underdog – a tag that rests easily on his shoulders.
He held his nerve impressively in the final two holes. After dropping a shot on the 16th he fought straight back with a birdie on 17, before safely making par on the last hole to seal a famous victory.
Key Moment: Doyle makes a birdie on the par-5 17th, just minutes after dropping a shot on the previous hole
Quote, Unquote: “If you grabbed anyone and they said they were cheering for me they were probably lying. But that’s ok.” Doyle’s acknowledgement of the gallery’s love for Watson.
