American Chris Gotterup impressively held off Rory McIlroy and the chasing pack to claim the biggest win of his career with a remarkable Scottish Open success.

The world number 158, who began the final round tied for the lead with McIlroy, displayed admirable nerve to register a closing 66 and triumph by two shots on 15 under at the Renaissance Club.

McIlroy’s challenge faltered on the back nine and he shared second place with England’s Marco Penge.

As well as winning £1.2m and his second PGA Tour title, Gotterup secured a debut appearance in The Open at Royal Portrush next week.

The 25-year-old fought back tears as he said: “I just hung in there tight and tried to keep it together.

“It’s amazing. It’s all hitting me. It’s just so cool.

“I played really well this week and I knew today was going to be tough. I hung in there like a champ and finished it off in style.”

Matt Fitzpatrick finished three shots off the top alongside Nicolai Hojgaard, while fellow Englishman Justin Rose was one further back after posting the lowest round of the day with a bogey-free 63.

Xander Schauffele, who begins his Claret Jug defence on Thursday, ended on nine under alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg.

Dane Hojgaard and Germany’s Matthias Schmid earned the other two Open places that were available for those not already exempt.