South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen cruises to victory at the British Open

Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa kisses the Claret Jug after winning the British Open golf championship on the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, July 18, 2010.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen won his first major golf title yesterday with a seven-stroke victory in the British Open at St. Andrews.

The 27-year-old clinched his maiden major title with a composed display of front-running after taking the lead on Friday.

Oosthuizen began the final day four strokes clear of Paul Casey and carded a 71 to finish 16 under around the Old Course.

Westwood picked up two shots in a round of 70 to edge into second on nine under, with Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy (68), Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (71) and England’s Casey (75) in a tie for third on eight under.

World number one Tiger Woods, who was aiming to win a third successive St Andrews Open, was unable to make up any ground and ended well adrift on three under after a level-par 72 that included double bogeys on the fourth and seventh. [READ MORE …]