The American golfing potentate is playing in his first competitive event since missing the cut at Turnberry Open only a couple of weeks ago, and is currently on one under 71. His teaming countryman Steve Lowery is on the opposite side of the wall however, hitting with an opening 63. Other notables in the tournament, including Vaughan Taylor, James Nitties, Vranesh and Yand are all currently tied on seven under.

The US Pro Woods, who has 14 major championships to his name required 32 strokes during his first round in Michigan and was ranked 130th in putting statistics there. He dropped two shots during his first five holes before gaining four birdies and a poor finish at the 15th hole. The American legend, who is presumably enthralling himself in the biggest pathos of his career, told cameramen "It was probably one of the worst putting days I’ve ever had. I know I’ve got to play well to make the cut, I’ve got to play well to get myself back into contention. Guys are only going to continue to go low, this is the way the golf course is playing it’s going to be 20-plus to win the tournament."

Interestingly, the 33 year old has never missed two professional cuts in a row during his illustrious and championship-replete career, however his current form is giving reasons for fans to remain skeptical, as well as provide hope to opponents knocking him off his insuperable spot in the sport.

The Argentine first appeared at the European Tour in 1992, and has since earned himself three wins, with a best year-end ranking of 25th on the European Tour Order of Merit in 2001.
What has helped Gonzalez most in this course is its vast size (7,665 yards), the longest course to be played in the tour, which the big hitter takes full advantage of.

The former caddie, who is ranked 316th in the world, was palpably leaving the tournament favorite Henrik Stenson falling in his wake. The Argentine managed to putt seven birdies in his opening 68 alone.
Stenson, who chivalrously promised to donate his winnings this week to his own charity foundation, was himself one over par with four holes remaining. Michael Campbell, who previously sustained a shoulder injury withdrawing him from the Open second recently, also found himself one over par, aiming to make his first cut of the year.

The 59 year old Watson, who would have broken the record as the oldest winner here, was just a whisker away from winning an unprecedented 6th title.  However, after failing to sink a 10-foot par putt on the 72nd green, Watson’s hopes abruptly capitulated as he entered into the playoffs alongside Cink, whose recent victory at the Travelers Championship had promoted him to 6th in the world rankings.

Unfortunately for Watson and his throng of travelling supporters however, the play-offs seemed too much for him as some miscued shots on the 17th fairway saw his ball land in the rough and tumble, seeing the pro veteran succumbing to a creditable 2nd place finish.  In a bitter end to an encouraging tournament, Watson sullenly deplored:  “It tears at your gut and it’s not easy to take. But it wasn’t to be.  I put myself in a position to win and didn’t do it on the last hole”.

One point that Watson may be able to take solace from however, along with his abetting support, is his swift move up the global rankings from 1374th to 105th.  While Watson has had plenty of experience in golf championships, including 5 wins here, the structural format of the current system used in golf, has meant Watson previously failing to secure important ranking points for recent tournament encounters.

After another exciting Open at Turnberry, many more notable pro’s were unable to find the same glorification and success.  World number one Tiger Woods missed out on the title along with 2003 Open winner Ben Curtis, as well as Colin Montgomerie.  Tiger only managed to finish the tournament on 74, 5 over par and 10 below second placed Watson.

Cink, whose participation here made it his 50th major championship, congratulated Watson for his magnanimous efforts and expounded on the significance of the event for him, and playing the long time pro in particular:¬† “It’s been a surreal experience.¬† Playing against Tom Watson, this stuff just does not happen. I grew up watching him – he has turned back the clock and I feel so happy just being part of it.”

After an emotional thrilling and exciting end to the event, organizers here told media and news crews they were happy with the size of the crowds and turnout at Turnberry.  The event this year managed to attract 123,000 travelling fans at the Ayrshire course for the week.