Ernie Els has been named the European Tour Golfer of the Month for July following his win at the Open Championship.

The 43-year-old secured his first major Championship victory since his Open victory in 2002 - and fourth overall - despite starting the final round six shots off the pace.

While many will remember this year's Open at Royal Lytham for Adam Scott's dramatic collapse, Els produced a superb final-round 68 -including four birdies on the back nine - to take full advantage of Scott's troubles.

A 15-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole of the Championship proved to be a decisive blow.

"It's always nice to be named Golfer of the Month - it usually means you have done something pretty good and in my case this time it was for a very special achievement in my career," said Els.

"The whole thing happened quite fast after I finished that final round. I have to say that I was praying to get in a play-off, but then it finished the way it did.

"Obviously I still feel for Adam Scott, but this one came my way for once. You lose a lot more than you win as a professional and I am sure Scotty's time will come in a Major."

Golf 365