Open Championship 2022: Mark Calcavecchia slips on Swilcan Bridge, snubbed by wife on 18th after final round

The 150th Open Championship saw Mark Calcavecchia bow out in eventful style, as he narrowly avoided a mishap on the Swilcan Bridge and was snubbed for a kiss by his wife on the 18th green. Exemptions for past winners is 60 years of age, but due to the 2020 iteration being cancelled due to Covid, the R&A gave the 62-year-old the green light to play on the Old Course at St Andrews. Ad/> The American, who won the Open at Troon in 1989, was never likely to contend — and that proved to be the case as he finished dead last.

The OpenOpen Championship golf 2022 LIVE scores and updates: Woods set to miss cut4 HOURS AGO But he had his moment in the spotlight when teeing off on 18, and crossing the Swilcan Bridge. It almost ended badly, as in slippery conditions due to the rain at St Andrews, Calcavecchia lost his footing as he stepped onto the bridge. “Don’t do that to us,” Nick Dougherty said on commentary for Sky Sports.

It's just a joke' — Matt Fitzpatrick slams slow play at The Open Tiger's Open bid falters as he struggles at St Andrews “I almost slipped going up,” Calcavecchia said. “I should take that flatter bridge over by one.” He regained his composure, turned and waved to the crowd and was joined on the bridge for a photograph by his wife Brenda — before savouring the walk up 18. “If you are going to say goodbye, this is the place," Dougherty added.

“20-over par, no-one cares,” said Laura Davies. Hopes of signing off with a birdie were dashed by a poor chip and he missed the par to finish off on 21-over. Whether Brenda was unhappy with her husband’s effort on 18 is not clear, but she left him hanging when he went for a kiss.