Another week, another close-but-no-cigar finish for Greg Norman. Seven days after finishing joint third at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Norman was tied fifth in the Senior Open Championship at Royal Troon yesterday, four strokes behind Bruce Vaughan, of the United States, who beat John Cook, a compatriot, in a play-off. It was Norman's second appearance at the Senior Open, having come third in 2005.

Yet far from it being another tournament thrown away, Norman had done well to move into contention after an opening round of 75, four over par, had left him in 45th place. A 72 in blustery conditions on Friday was followed by a 67 on Saturday. When he birdied five of his first seven holes yesterday, the Australian's supporters could start to dream but a double-bogey on the 17th, after underclubbing his tee shot into a bunker, ended his slim hopes.

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