So how will this Open be remembered? Did Watson blow it or did Cink earn it?
It's my opinion (as written in my latest article) that when a guy makes 4 birdies on the back nine, he deserves the title.
Did Watson let one get away? Absolutely.
But this wasn't one where Cink "backed into" the title.

Cink's birdie on 18 was a great birdie. Watson didn't recover from his putt on 18. Give credit to Cink for putting himself in a position to win.

We were watching the last couple of holes from the patio at the clubhouse after our round...when Watson missed his last putt one of the guys snorted and said "that's a 60 year old putt". I agree with Scott, Cink made it happen. Watson was riding on a helium balloon up to 18 and the air just went out of him. There was no doubt for most people watching that he wouldn't sustain in a playoff.

I really wanted Tom to win, but no disrespect for Cink or his game. Watson knew the score and he had the experience to get it done. The age and amount of playing, I think, did him in as on the back nine on sunday he just ran out of steam and shots he made in earlier rounds just were not there anymore and he was reduced to substituting experience for waning judgement. I think it was a great effort, emotionally and physically for him and he gave it all he could, which was not quite enough. The playoff was over before it started and one can argue the wisdom of chipping vs putting that actually sealed his fate.

Fijra, you've raised an excellent point and one that my wife and I discussed yesterday. Bob Ford, the head pro at Oakmont CC in Pittsburgh, is one of the best club professionals in the world. Playing at Oakmont with him a few years ago, I chipped a couple times when I obviously should have putted from the closely mown areas around greens. In his own, ultra-professional way, he chastised me and said my first option should always be the putter. Maybe that's because I'm a mid-teen handicapper, I never asked. I'd be interested to hear where everyone else weighs in on that debate.
My opinion for Watson is that he made the right call by putting it.

Ultimately Tom felt more confidence in his putter at that moment than his wedge. Adreneline probably made him hit it too firmly, but if your nerves are jangling I would think using putter takes a few moving parts out of the equation (ie, potentials for mis-hits). It's easier to hit a shot on line with a putter, distance control was touchier.

In my view, Tom Watson let it get away. It was a shame really, but you can't win them all. I was hoping he'd pull it out, but no such luck.

I'm saying that Watson let it go too. He has it in the bag. He had the experience, he had the shots. He just didn't come through!
Congrats to Cink too, he was awesome and came through.
Still sore over Tiger missing out!

I think they should do a head to head with Tiger and Watson at Turnberry. Think of the TV ratings that would get right now.