South African Ernie Els Wins British Open

Posted July 22nd, 2012 at 3:00 pm (UTC-5)
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South African Ernie Els has captured golf's British Open championship in a stunning finish, after Australian Adam Scott faltered with bogeys on the last four holes.

Els sank a nearly five-meter birdie putt on the finishing hole Sunday at England's Royal Lytham St. Anne course. He then watched as Scott, who led throughout the final round, hit his tee shot on the 18th hole into a deep bunker. Moments later, Scott barely missed a putt for par that would have forced a playoff with Els.

It is the fourth major championship for the 42-year-old Els, but his first since winning the British Open in 2002. For the tournament, Els shot seven-under-par 273, one shot better than Scott, who was seeking his first major championship.

American golfers Brandt Snedeker and Tiger Woods, once the world's No. 1, finished tied for third, four shots behind Els.