Langer edges Pavin to clinch Senior Open golf tournament

Germany's Bernhard Langer won the Senior Open on Sunday with a one-shot victory over American Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.

The German carded a closing round of 72 for a five under par total, one better than Pavin, who finished his first Senior Major with a round of 70.

Langer, twice a Masters champion at Augusta, has now finished in the top 10 in seven of his 12 Senior Majors.

"This ranks very high," said Langer. "Obviously it was pretty close to my two US Masters championships and some of The Ryder Cup stuff I won - it's a thrill to finally hold this trophy.

"Corey played very well all day, he's a beautiful ball striker and bends the ball both directions and he has a great short game. I knew he wouldn't go away.

"You still get nervous, and especially a Championship that means something to you. As you know, I've always wanted to win The Open Championship and this is the next best thing.

"I probably will not win The Open Championship, but I'm very pleased to win The Senior Open Championship on a great golf course like this."

Langer started the day three clear of his playing partner, but in a topsy-turvy final day, the title was decided at the death when Pavin was two shots behind.

Langer drove right but his ball stopped short of the water, although he could only fire his second to the fairway 130 yards short of the green.

Pavin found the fairway off the tee, but left his approach just short of the green and when Langer pitched his third to 12 feet, Pavin needed to hole his lengthy birdie putt from off the green to stand any realistic chance of a play-off but it came up five feet short.

"It's tough when you almost win," admitted the American. "It's almost harder when you just finish second and not win - it's disappointing."

Australia's Peter Senior carded a final round 68 to finish in a tie for third on one under, alongside American trio Fred Funk, Jay Don Blake and Russ Cochran.