Romero joins elite company

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The 29th U.S. Senior Open will be remembered for the black bears that menaced The Broadmoor’s East Course – and the one cat who conquered it.

Eduardo “El Gato” Romero became the second Argentine golfer to hoist the silver cup, 28 years after Roberto De Vicenzo won the trophy at Winged Foot.

The 54-year-old Romero shot a final round 3-over 73 on Sunday but was never seriously challenged by Fred Funk (75), who finished four strokes back.

Romero was 6-under 274 for the tournament.

Mark McNulty (68) finished in third, five shots back. Greg Norman shot a 70 and finished in fourth, his third straight top-5 finish.