Richie Ramsay become Britain's first US amateur champion in 95 years with a 4 and 2 win over American John Kelly at Hazeltine National in Chaska, Minnesota.
The 23-year-old Scot, who represented Britain and Ireland at last year's Walker Cup, sealed victory in the 36-hole final after being conceded a 12-foot birdie putt at the par-four 16th on Sunday.
The Stirling University student had led by two after the morning round, winning four of six holes from the par-three eighth to take control of the match.
Although Kelly trimmed his advantage to one in the afternoon with a birdie on the 21st hole, he never got any closer.
Ramsay, the first Briton to reach the final since Jack McLean in 1936, became the first British winner since Harold Hilton in 1911.
"I can't believe my name is going to be on that trophy," he told reporters.
Last year, Italy's Edoardo Molinari became the first European champion since Hilton with a 4 & 3 win over American Dillon Dougherty at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
Both Ramsay and Kelly earn exemptions into next year's US Masters and US Open, as long as they retain their amateur status.
Ramsay, who also receives an exemption into next year's British Open, plans to remain an amateur until at least September next year and hopes to compete in the 2007 Walker Cup.
{{/usCountry}}Ramsay, who also receives an exemption into next year's British Open, plans to remain an amateur until at least September next year and hopes to compete in the 2007 Walker Cup.
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