Jerry Kelly claimed the ISPS HANDA Senior Open title at Gleneagles after a composed final-round 68 gave him a two-shot victory and the third senior major of his career.

The American finished at ten under par on the King’s Course, clear of Matt Gogel, Cameron Percy and Darren Fichardt. Kelly sealed the win with a birdie at the par-five 18th, getting up and down from a bunker as heavy rain fell.

Gogel had applied the strongest clubhouse pressure with a bogey-free 63, setting the target at 8-under. Percy, who began the final round tied with Kelly, returned a level-par 70, while Fichardt closed with a 66.

Kelly received the Senior Open trophy from former UK Prime Minister Lord Cameron. The victory adds a third senior major to a record that includes two Senior Players Championship titles and takes his PGA Tour Champions win total to 14.

“It’s indescribable to win it,” Kelly said after dedicating the victory to his niece’s late husband.

“The senior Claret Jug is the trophy that I’ve wanted as an over-50 golfer more than any other. To do it in Scotland at the home of golf and to actually win and get into the Home of Golf at St Andrews, I mean, I’m absolutely speechless.”

Kelly builds an early advantage

Kelly and Percy started the final day at 8-under, but the American quickly moved ahead. He converted birdie putts from 15 feet at the first and 18 feet at the third, where Percy’s three-putt helped stretch the lead to three.

A failed bunker recovery at the sixth cost Kelly a shot, before an approach to ten feet at the eighth restored his three-stroke advantage. He reached the turn at 10-under.

Another bunker error brought a bogey at the 11th, while Gogel continued his charge. The American birdied seven holes, including the 18th after an inventive aerial chip, to finish one behind Kelly’s position at the time.

Kelly could not capitalise on the driveable 14th and faced several long putts across the closing stretch. His distance control kept him clear of trouble, including putts from around 90 and 100 feet.

“My brain, actually, was the most successful part of my game,” Kelly said. “Instead of worrying about that, I just went and took care of the next shot.”

Gallacher charges with a 62

Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher began ten shots behind the leaders but produced the lowest round of the week, a 62. He turned in 29 and birdied the tenth and 11th before a bogey at the 12th interrupted his challenge. Gallacher finished fifth at 6-under.

Taggart Ridings took sixth place at five under. KJ Choi, Zach Johnson, Boo Weekley and Emanuele Canonica shared the next position at four under.

Kelly entered senior golf after winning three times on the PGA Tour and representing the United States in the 2003 Presidents Cup.

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