Kenny Perry agonisingly missed out on becoming the oldest player to win a major at the Masters on Sunday, but at 48 years old he believes he still has time to achieve that feat.

The American lost out on the second hole of a sudden death playoff at Augusta National to Argentina's Angel Cabrera after teeing off on the 72nd and last hole with a one-stroke lead.

It was the second time that he had seen a major title wrenched from his grasp, 13 years after losing to Mark Brooks on home turf at Valhalla in Louisville, Kentucky, at the PGA Championship.

But it was a case of no regrets from Perry, one of the most popular players on the tour.

"I'm not going to feel sorry," he said.

"If this is the worst thing that happens to me, I can live with it. I really can.

"Great players get it done, and Angel got it done. This is his second Major he won. I've blown two, but that's the only two I've had chances of winning.

"So, you know what - I'm looking forward to Bethpage Black (and June's US Open). I'm looking forward to the British, to the PGA.

"I know I can do it now, because it was fun."

Perry said he had been well in control of his game though 16 holes despite the roars and cheers that were rolling over Augusta National from the birdie blitz being launched ahead of him and Cabrera by Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

But he did admit that nerves played a part in his poor chip at 17 that opened the floodgates for his bogey-bogey finish.

"I skulled two chips on 15 and 18 in the John Deere (tournament) to put me in the playoff, and I did the same thing on 17, I skulled it again," he said.

"I can't stop my right hand. When I get a little nervous, it wants to shoot a little bit and I can't calm it down.

"Seventeen and 18 are tough holes, and I hit a good drive on 18. It just drew just a little bit and got in that front bunker, which I didn't think it was in there when I first saw it take off.

"I had that putt on 18 that I've seen so many people make. I knew exactly what it was.

"That was probably the most disappointing putt of the day because I hit it too easy."

One thing left for Perry was to talk his final round through with 85-year-old dad Ken, who he said was responsible for honing his competitive instincts from his early years by challenging his son to win at everything and laughing in his face when he lost.

"Dad will try to pump me up if I know my dad," he said.

"He just feels sorry for me. He just wanted me to win. I know it with all his heart. He wants the best for me just like I want the best for my kids. We'll have a good conversation tonight."

AFP

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