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 …]