Zach Johnson wins The 2015 Open at St Andrews

Zach Johnson won The 2015 Open golf championship at St Andrews following a three-way four-hole play-off and was overcome with emotion at the finish.

As South African Louis Oosthuizen missed a putt, Johnson was crowned champion, with Australian Marc Lieshman already out of the frame.

It was an eventful championship nonetheless, with any one from nine in with a chance of winning on the final day with a leaderboard which included many of the big names of the past, including Spanish favourite Sergio Garcia.

Jordan Spieth, the pre-tournament favorite with bookmaker Coral, going for a 2015 Grand Slam left himself with too much to do in the end and when he did make a move on the final few holes, it was a case of too little too late.

However, the recently-turned 22-year-old was gracious to a hilt in defeat, being the first to congratulate his compatriot after an enthralling play-off.

The week itself produced some golf of the highest quality at the home of the sport in a truly spectacular setting. Englishman Danny Willett took many by surprise and was in contention himself to win at one point, while amateur Paul Dunne from Ireland, at one point shared the lead.

With world number one and last year’s winner of the Claret Jug, Rory McIlroy missing due to a self-inflicted injury, it was a chance for Spieth to capitalise and win his third golf Major of the year, however, it wasn’t to be.

Upon winning, Johnson was so overcome with emotion and could barely contain himself as he embraced his wife who had been on this journey with him.

“I’m honoured to be your Open champion and your champion golfer of the year,” Johnson said after winning.

“I’m humbled because of the names that are etched on this piece of metal. To have my name on the trophy is surreal.

“The key to this week has been patience and perseverance, without question, and in the playoff in particular. I can’t play any better than I did. I just stayed in it, waited for the opportunities and made a few putts.”

Meanwhile, runner-up Oosthuizen, who pushed him all the way reflected on a positive tournament: “When I got to the fifth hole, it was a great leaderboard and I said to my caddie, ‘this is going to be a great finish because of all the names that are up there’.”

“It was great seeing everyone up there and hopefully it will be that way in the future,” added Oosthuizen. “A lot of guys will take a lot of good out of this and it will be great for golf if this is going to be the way forward.”