Oliver Wilson has admitted that it was a great feeling to prove his critics wrong by claiming his first European Tour title in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, who is currently ranked 792nd in the world, was once a regular challenger on tour, and was quick to reveal his relief after holding off the challenge of a number of players, including Rory McIlroy, to win by a single stroke.

"I don't have words for it, this has been 10 or 11 years coming," Wilson told members of the media.

"Nine-times runner-up, nothing had gone my way but I must thank the organisers because they offered me an invite to play this week and I'm very grateful.

"So many people had written me off which obviously hurt me but a lot of others believed in me and they know who they are. Thanks to all of them."

Wilson had finished as a runner-up on the European Tour nine times before his first win.