FRED COUPLES birdied Turnberry’s closing two holes to seal a dream-debut victory in the Senior Open Championship, finishing two shots clear of compatriot Gary Hallberg.

Couples, who had trailed overnight leader Bernhard Langer by one shot going into the final round, took advantage of the German’s slip on the back nine to capture the title with a closing round of three-under-par 67.

The pair had traded blows before the turn and were tied for the lead when Couples birdied the 11th hole, before the vital swing which came at the next hole when Langer found trouble from the tee.

He hit a second shot into a bunker and was unable to advance, before then two putting from 25 feet to card a double bogey six.

Meanwhile, Couples birdied the same hole after a glorious five-iron approach to six feet to seize the outright lead.

Although he dropped a shot on the next hole, he produced a stunning finish to pull clear of Hallberg, who had birdied the 17th himself to set the clubhouse target of seven-under-par 273 following a superb 66.

Taking a one shot lead on to the final hole, Couples knew he needed to avoid dropping a shot to clinch the title, and the 1992 Masters Champion showed his class, sinking a majestic 20-footer to clinch the title in style on nine under par.

“It was a very fun day,” said Couples. “Being paired with Bernhard, you’ve got to play great and for a long time there, we were neck and neck.

“But for me I felt like I was hitting the ball very strong, very solid and I was really lucky that it didn’t rain because I’m not very good in the rain! That was a big birdie on 17 to make 18 play easier and then when I hit the last putt, the hole got in the way and I won by two. I’m very happy and excited to have won this.”