Golfer Spieth wins British Open

American golfer Jordan Spieth held his nerves to post one-under 69 in the fourth and final round as he registered a three-stroke victory in the 146th British Open, adding a third major title to his collection.

The 23-year-old American on Sunday had a rough start in the final round, but he finished with a four-day total of 12-under 268 (65-69-65-69) at the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, reports Efe.

Fellow American and 2016 Olympic bronze medallist Matt Kuchar (69) finished second with a nine-under 271 total.

Having entered the day three shots clear of Kuchar, the third-ranked Spieth looked like he was going to let the British Open title slip through his fingers, getting three bogeys in his first four holes.

But he got himself together and fired a birdie on the fifth hole but another bogey on the ninth hole meant the race was on.

After playing three consecutive par efforts starting from 10th, he got another bogey. But a birdie on the 14th hole and an eagle on the par-five 15th hole gave him a lot of confidence.

He went on to shoot two consecutive birdies on the 17th and the 18th holes to race his way to title.

"Tremendous mental strength to be able to come back and finish that way with a couple of good breaks and Matt got a couple of bad breaks as well. I don't know how I shot one under today," Spieth was quoted as saying by europeantour.com after the win.

"It's incredible. This is one of the most sought after trophies in the world and the most sought after in our sport and to be able to have my name on it and already see that is a dream come true," he added.

"My last goal now is to try and complete a career grand slam."

The victory allowed Spieth, who won The Masters in Augusta and the US Open in 2015, to become only the second golfer after the legendary Jack Nicklaus to win three of the four majors before the age of 24.

China's Haotong Li finished third after scoring a 63 that boosted his 72-hole total to six-under 274.

One shot behind him were Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy (67) and Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello (68).

--IANS

pur/mr