The 29-year-old Rose had gone into the final round with a three-shot lead and looked on course for his second title on US soil this month.

However a disastrous 18 holes at TPC River Highlands near Hartford saw Rose close with a five-over 75 allowing Watson to hold off the challenge of America Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank at the second extra hole of the sudden death play-off.

Rose picked up three bogeys and one double bogey on his back nine to finish down in a share of ninth.

And Rose was left to rue his putting as he failed to add the Travelers title to his Memorial success.

"It's hard to play golf when you feel like you're going to miss every putt from two feet," Rose said.

"I was just that uncomfortable on the greens all day.

Uncomfortable

"My golf game felt fair or thereabouts, but just felt really uncomfortable on the greens. It's hard to play.

"I had a lot of chances early maybe, but I don't know, just felt uncomfortable and when that's the case, it's just hard to get out there and get after it, but I tried to stay in the moment as best I could all day, but yeah, hard one."

Verplank had stormed into the play-off with a six-under round of 64, while Watson and Pavin each posted 66s to finish on 14-under.

The first extra hole saw Pavin drop out of contention as Verplank and Watson both picked up birdies.

However Verplank was left in tears at the second extra hole as he missed his putt for par to had Watson the title.

Chris Riley just missed out on the play-off after his final-round 65 saw him finish on 13-under.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington came storming through the field with his six-under round taking him to 12-under alongside Retief Goosen, Ricky Barnes and Chad Campbell.

Former Open champion Ben Curtis had partnered Rose over the final 18 after starting the day three behind the Brit, however he too suffered as he carded a three-over 73 to drop to 13th.