Chris Gotterup keeps nerve to hold off Rory McIlroy and win Scottish Open

East Lothian witnessed a David v Goliath story as Rory McIlroy was denied victory immediately before his return to Northern Ireland for the Open Championship. Chris Gotterup, who arrived at the Scottish Open as the 158th-ranked player in the world, saw off McIlroy for the biggest win of his career.

McIlroy’s thoughts have already turned towards Royal Portrush and the major that has carried even more significance for the 36-year-old since he completed a career grand slam at Augusta National in April.

“There is no frustration,” McIlroy said. “I’m really happy with where everything is. Looking forward to ­getting to Portrush tonight, getting out on to the golf course early tomorrow and just turning my attention to that. I feel like I’ve gotten out of this week everything that I wanted.”

Gotterup’s took the title by two, at 15 under par. He closed with a 66 in McIlroy’s company. McIlroy shared second with Marco Penge.

“I hung in there like a champ and finished it off in style,” Gotterup said. “I was ready for the challenge, I knew I was playing well this week so I felt comfortable. I was a one-time winner on tour but two sounds much better. I know if I feel like I did today, I can beat the best.”

Chris Gotterup watches his tee shot on the 11th hole. Photograph: Scott Heppell/Reuters

McIlroy, seeking a second Scottish Open in three attempts, had entered round four in a share of the lead. Few expected Gotterup to put up much resistance but the 25-year-old was nerveless. McIlroy’s inward half of level par proved problematic as ­Gotterup came home in two under. This was, however, McIlroy’s finest tournament display since his Masters triumph.

Gotterup had to withstand the extra pressure associated with being put on the clock for slow play during the closing stages of the tournament. By the 72nd tee, Gotterup was two clear. He will make his Open debut on Thursday. Nicolai Højgaard will join him in the Open after finishing fourth in Scotland.

At the Evian Championship in France, Lottie Woad came so close to becoming the first amateur since 1967 to win a women’s major. The Englishwoman shot a final round of 64 to miss out on a playoff by one. ­Australia’s Grace Kim saw off Jeeno ­Thitikul on the second sudden-death hole. So much talk, though, was of Woad; the 21-year-old had won in Ireland on the Ladies European Tour seven days earlier. She has now earned a card on the LPGA Tour, albeit it is unclear precisely when Woad will take up that option.

“I am going to take the next week and discuss with my family and coaches and then I’ll make a decision after that,” Woad said. “I have always wanted to play on the LPGA. Whenever that is, it’s going to be really fun and I am looking forward to playing in all the events.”