The US golfer picked up the Claret Jug for the first time at Royal Portrush last month and he admitted it was a “special” feeling going into the final hole knowing he’d already done enough to claim his fourth major title.

Asked what it was like going up to the 18th knowing he’d done enough to win, he told Golf Monthly magazine: “It’s a very cool walk. It’s a very special walk.

“To be honest with you, walking up 18, I didn’t really know if I was going to get that much support from the crowd.

“The crowd obviously wanted somebody else to win and I kind of got to play spoiler a little bit, which was fun as well.

“It really was a great reception.

“I heard a lot of the fans supporting me out there.

“It was a really cool environment to be able to play in.”

Scottie is “very grateful” to be able to live his dreams in his career.

He said: “I have a tremendous amount of gratitude towards moments like these.

“I’ve literally worked my entire life to become good at this game and play this game for a living.

“It’s one of the greatest joys of my life to compete out here.

“To be able to win The Open Championship at Portrush is a feeling that’s really hard to describe.

“I don’t know why I’m so lucky that I get to live out my dreams, but it’s something I’m very grateful for.”