Henrik Stenson has admitted that he is "delighted" to have won The Open but is still in shock at ending his Major hoodoo at Royal Troon.
The 40-year-old edged out Phil Mickelson in what was a two-horse race for the title on Sunday, carding a sensational final-round 63 for 20-under overall - the tournament's lowest-ever score.
Stenson, who also becomes the oldest first-time Major winner since 2011, dedicated his breakthrough success to a close friend who passed away on the eve of the famous tournament.
"This will take a while to sink in, I am still getting my bearings," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "It seems like it was not going to be anyone else but the two of us.
"I am delighted to come out on top. Thank you very much for a great fight. I want to thank my wife, my family, my team, all the hard work has helped to make this possible and my caddie Gareth Lord.
"I lost a dear friend on Wednesday morning in the States from cancer and I feel like he has been with me all week, Mike this one is for you."
Defending champion Zach Johnson (71) ended the tournament one-under, while Rory McIlroy (67) and Masters champion Danny Willett (71) also had little joy.
