Stenson won the coveted event with a three-shot win over Phil Mickelson.

The Swede closed with 10 birdies in a record-equalling eight-under-par-63 and became the first Scandinavian man ever to win a major championship.

 “Wow, this will take a little while to sink in,” Stenson said in dedicating his victory to a “dear friend” he’d lost last week to cancer.

“Thank you Phil for a fantastic battle. You played some great golf.

“I’m obviously delighted to come out on top this time, but thank you very much."

American JB Holmes (69) was third, 13 strokes behind  of Stenson.

Veteran Steve Stricker (69) finished fourth.

Jason Day ended the tournament as Australia’s leading performer after his efforts at one-under-par 70.