Tyrrell Hatton started the day with a one-shot lead and made the turn in bogey-free 34 at the Old Course. He made two more birdies before a double bogey at the par-4 13th immediately followed by a bogey at the par-5 14th threatened his victory, however a final birdie at the 18th for a 70 secured the win at 24-under.
The Englishman, who also won in 2016 and successfully defended in 2017, as well as finishing runner-up twice, has become the first ever three-time winner of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
“It feels good. It’s actually the first tournament I have won with my dad here, it means a lot and to do it at the home of golf is really special,” Hatton said. “I’m trying not to cry to be honest, I’m a bit lost for words,” said Hatton.
“I didn’t actually know what the scores were from when we left at halfway house. The first leaderboard I saw was on the 17th green,” Hatton continued.
“When I double bogeyed 13 and bogeyed 14, I didn’t realise I was still in and around the lead and just tried best on every shot coming in, and then I see where I’m at at the 17th green, then I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
“To have a three and a half foot putt is quite nerve-wracking and I was so relieved when it went in.
“I’m so happy I’ve got my place booked in Dubai. When I teed it up last week at the Spanish Open I knew I needed a second on my own to have a chance.”
Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts briefly joined Hatton in the lead but made two bogeys and also closed with a 70 to finish second at 23-under.
England’s Tommy Fleetwood signed for a 67 to finish in solo third place at 21-under.
