You win some, you lose some: Ernie Els claims 2nd open after Adam Scott falters on last 4 holes

Els finished at 7-under 273. He failed to qualify for the Masters this year for the first time in nearly two decades, but that won't be a problem now. His win gives him a five-year exemption into the majors.

Even in the closing ceremony, holding that precious claret jug for the second time, his thoughts immediately went to Scott.

"Sorry," he said, looking at the 32-year-old Australian, whose final bogey gave him a 75. "You're a great player, a great friend of mine. I feel very fortunate. You're going to win many of these."

It took Scott a decade just to get into position, and he let it slip away. It was the most shocking collapse at the British Open since Jean Van de Velde took a triple bogey on the final hole at Carnoustie and lost in a playoff. But this was different. It wasn't a last-minute blowup, more of a slow bleed, similar to Jason Dufner losing a five-shot lead to Keegan Bradley in the PGA Championship last year, or Ed Sneed making bogey on the last three holes at the 1979 Masters.

"I know I let a really great chance slip through my fingers today," Scott said.

British Open

Leaderboard

Ernie Els-7

Adam Scott-6

Tiger Woods-3

Brandt Snedeker-3

Luke Donald-2

Graeme McDowell-2

Nicolas Colsaerts-1

Thomas Aiken-1