\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
McIlroy’s challenge faltered on the back nine and he shared second place with England’s Marco Penge.<\/p>\n
As well as winning \u00a31.2m and his second PGA Tour title, Gotterup secured a debut appearance in The Open at Royal Portrush next week.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old fought back tears as he said: “I just hung in there tight and tried to keep it together.<\/p>\n
“It’s amazing. It’s all hitting me. It’s just so cool. <\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Xander Schauffele, who begins his Claret Jug defence on Thursday, ended on nine under alongside world number one Scottie Scheffler and Ludvig Aberg.<\/p>\n
Dane Hojgaard and Germany’s Matthias Schmid earned the other two Open places that were available for those not already exempt.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n