The 24-year-old American, who graduated from college two years ago and won the PGA Championship last year, has already won two titles in a total of eight major starts - a magnificent start to his professional career.

Morikawa finished a total of -15 after four rounds at Royal St George's, and won two strokes ahead of compatriot Jordan Spieth.

- This is without a doubt one of the best moments of my life, Morikawa said in the speech of thanks after receiving and lifting the victory dent "The Claret Jug".

"It gives me goosebumps"

He thanked the spectators who have given The Open a frame and a feeling of a certain normality, a year after last year's championship had to be canceled due to the corona pandemic.

- To stand here and be called "champion golfer of the year" gives me goosebumps, he said.

- You have been fantastic.

I look forward to coming here every year and playing the British Open and that you cheer on us.

The last round of a weather-friendly The Open was played in scorching sunshine and almost non-existent wind, with Oosthuizen one stroke ahead of Morikawa on one tee.

At first, it also looked like it could be a pure duel for the victory between the two players in the leader ball.

They came to the seventh hole in a split lead, but then it became clear advantage Morikawa.

No blue-yellow participation

Oosthuizen hit the second shot into a green bunker and from there the South African managed to hit the ball over the green - and down into another bunker.

He was forced to leave the lightest hole of the course with a bogey, and when Morikawa simultaneously made a birdie both there and on the eighth and ninth suddenly parted four strokes.

Instead, it was Jordan Spieth who emerged as the main threat to Collin Morikawa.

Spieth started the round weakly, but got real speed after an eagle on the seventh which was followed up with birdies on holes 9, 10, 13 and 14. The Open winner from 2017 came close, but never in the race.

When Morikawa came to the 18th hole, he could afford to make a bogey and still win, but it became a safe par for 66 strokes (four under par) on the round.

There were no Swedish efforts to tell about during The Open Sunday, something that has not happened since 1990. All four blue-yellow jumps missed the qualifying limit on the classic links course in the south-east of England.