Zach Johnson Wins British Open After Four-hole Play-off

Johnson beat Australian Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa in the play-off.

Zach Johnson celebrates with fans after winning a playoff after the final round at the British Open. (Photo: AP)

American Zach Johnson claimed the second major victory of his career when he beat Australian Marc Leishman and Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa in a four-hole playoff at the British Open.

Johnson, who won the U.S. Masters in 2007, was one under par for the extra holes. Oosthuizen was level par and Leishman two over.

Zach Johnson embraces his caddie Damon Green, left, after winning the play-off. (Photo: AP)

Zach Johnson, second from right, shakes hands with South Africa’ Louis Oosthuizen, left, alongside Australia’s Marc Leishman after winning the play-off. (Photo: AP)

The 39-year-old wiped tears from his eyes before hugging his wife as he walked off the 18th green to pick up the coveted Claret Jug and a first prize of 1.15 million pounds ($1.79 million).

Zach Johnson, left, is congratulated by Jordan Spieth after winning the play-off.  (Photo: AP)

One of the first to congratulate Johnson was fellow American Jordan Spieth who failed by one stroke to make the playoff after a day of fluctuating fortunes.

Spieth, 21, bidding to become the first player since compatriot Ben Hogan in 1953 to land the opening three majors of the year, finished with a three-under 69 for 274, 14 under.

Irelandís Paul Dunne looks up after a wayward drive off the second tee during the final round of the British Open. (Photo: AP)

Johnson (66), Leishman (66) and Oosthuizen (69) ended the regulation 72 holes on 15 under.

Irish amateur Paul Dunne, who went into the final round in a tie for the lead, slumped to a closing 78 and had to make do with a share for 30th position on 282.

India’s Anirban Lahiri reacts after a shot during the 2015 British Open. (Photo: AP)

The only Indian in contention, Anirban Lahiri, three-under for the first nine holes, dropped four shots in the stretch between the 13th and 17th but he closed with a birdie to ensure an even par end to the tournament.

He finished with a total of six-under 282 at tied 30th on the leaderboard, one better than the tied 31st he finished in the 2012 edition.