Zach Johnson is the 144th Open Champion.

After 72 holes of regulation play the American succeeded in defeating South African Louis Oosthuizen and Aussie Marc Leishman over a four hole play-off on the Old Course at St. Andrews.

It is Johnson’s second Major Championship title and comes eight years after the now 38-year Iowa-born golfer won the 2007 Masters at Augusta National.

All three players ended regulation play tied at 15-under before Johnson finished one-under par and one fewer than Oosthuizen while Leishman never recovering from dropping a shot at the first extra play-off hole.

Jordan Spieth agonisingly failed to keep his calendar Grand Slam dream alive – the 21 year old needed a birdie on the 18th hole to join the four-hole aggregate play-off, but saw his approach spin back off the green into the Valley of Sin.

Zach Johnson does the best balancing act at the 144th Open Championship. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

Johnson had set the clubhouse target on 15 under after a closing 66 that was matched 40 minutes later by Leishman, whose total of 130 for the third and fourth rounds – he carded a flawless 64 on Sunday – equalled the lowest 36-hole total in Major history.

Oosthuizen, who won the 2010 Open at St Andrews, still had two holes to play and after a crucial par save on the 17th the South African birdied the 18th from five feet to make it a three-way play-off on the first, second, 17th and 18th.

Johnson and Oosthuizen both birdied the first as Leishman three-putted from long range, and Johnson edged ahead with another birdie on the second.

All three players bogeyed the 17th, and after Johnson missed his birdie attempt on the 18th, Oosthuizen’s attempt from six feet also missed to give Johnson his second Major title, eight years after victory in the Masters Tournament.

An emotional Johnson said: “I feel blessed to be the champion, I feel honoured to part of the history of this game and to don my name on that trophy, especially with the names before me. Humbling and surreal are two words that come to mind.

“I can’t play any better than what I did. I had a lull on Friday and Saturday, but nothing significant, but stayed in it and waited for the opportunities and made a few.”

“I am fairly speechless right now,” Johnson said after being presented with the Claret Jug. “Dreams have been realised and goals accomplished.

“I’m humbled, I’m honoured to be your Open Champion and your champion golfer of the year.”

* Thanks to www.europeantour.com