Ernie Els was the unexpected winner of the 141st Open Championship after a remarkable final day at Royal Lytham.
The South African produced a two under par round 68 on the final day to take the title by a shot from Adam Scott.
Scott looked in control for the majority of the day but bogeys at the final four holes were to cost him dearly.
While the focus was on challengers Tiger Woods and Graeme McDowell heading into Sunday's finale, it was Els who shot up the leader board on the back nine.
He birdied the last to force Scott to try and make two pars on the final two holes.
However the Australian found thick rough on 17 and was unable to save par before finding the bunker on 18. And under severe pressure he pushed his putt wide to confirm Els as the champion.
It was the 42-year-old’s second Open triumph after winning at Muirfield in 2002.
Nicknamed ‘The Big Easy’ Els had finished second and third in his previous visits to Lytham in 1996 and 2001.
He said: "I'm a little numb at the moment.
"First of all I feel for Adam. He is a great friend of mine. We both wanted to win very badly but it's the nature of the beast. That's why we are out here. It was my time for some reason.
"A lot of people never thought I would win (another major). I started believing this year, I had a lot of help from a great team, my family and the professional team around me."
More About The Open 2012
- Paul Lawrie angry after ‘putting like an idiot’ at Royal Lytham
- The Open 2012: Adam Scott leads the field after opening round of 64
- Paul Lawrie makes strong start at The Open to go -5 at Royal Lytham
