

It was a duel alright. The sun did shine (mostly). And Tom Watson was the main protagonist. But no, this wasn't the 1977 British Open at Turnberry. It was 2009, and, sadly for Tom's legions of fans, the fairytale to end all golfing fairytales didn't quite come to pass. Hats off, though, to Stewart Cink. He must have known that the galleries were rooting for Tom, but he remained focused -- and courteous -- to the last. His joy at getting his hands on the Claret Jug was obvious to all, and he'll be fighting keenly to keep a strong grip on the trophy next year.
And what of Turnberry? Well, the stands have come down, the hospitality tents have been packed away and the media trucks have trundled off. The old place, though, is still buzzing. Ailsa Championship Course has been busy with club golfers and hotel residents (who benefit from preferential tee times) keen to follow in Stewart Cink's footsteps and take on the challenge of the revitalised old links. Add in the championship Kintyre course, The Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy and the Arran academy course, and it's clear that Turnberry will always be one of the world's most complete -- and beautiful -- links experiences.
Overlooking the Ailsa Course, the hotel itself is buzzing too, as guests savor the remarkable transformation that has taken place under that famous red roof. Closed for eight months, Turnberry has invested more than £65 million in a radiant blend of the traditional and the contemporary. New interiors, by renowned designer Mary Fox Linton, and new restaurants have been created in a hotel that welcomed its first guest in 1906 (also incidentally the name of Turnberry's new signature restaurant). The new sports bar has been named The Duel in the Sun, a fitting name for a place where camaraderie and shared experience is all part of the occasion.
The bedrooms have been changed beyond recognition, too. The four all-new suites at Turnberry, each with inspirational views over the links and the Irish Sea, have been named after the winners of The Open Championships at Turnberry: The Tom Watson Suite; The Greg Norman Suite; The Nick Price Suite; and now The Stewart Cink Suite. So not only has each Open winner written himself into history, he has also written himself into the very fabric of this famous hotel.
When it comes to The Open Championship, there certainly seems to be something about Turnberry that brings out the best in the grand old tournament. The Duel in the Sun in 1977, Norman's triumph over the elements in 1986 and Price's record equalling 12-under total in 1994 have stayed long in the memory.
And what of 2009? Once again, Turnberry thrilled the thousands on-course and the millions watching. At times, the golf was mesmerising, and many had to watch through their fingers when the lead changed hands time after time in the final round. In the end, only one man was able to keep his nerve while all around were failing. That man was Stewart Cink.
"It was extraordinary ... a surreal experience for me, playing a wonderful tournament on a wonderful course."
It's a sense of wonder you can experience yourself anytime down on Scotland's fabled southwest coast.
You could win a dream golf trip to Turnberry Resort or one of four other spectacular international golf destinations in the FedExCup Global Golf Sweepstakes. The Grand Prize is a trip for you and three guests to your choice of one of five beautiful countries: Australia, Canada, Scotland, South Africa or Spain. Plus you'll each get new TaylorMade golf clubs, including the R9 Driver and Burner Irons. Enter now at www.fedexcup.com for your chance to win!