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British Open 2012: Ernie Els Earns Fourth Major Championship In Dramatic Fashion

The 2012 British Open concluded Sunday, and the winner wasn't who many expected, but it was one we've all heard of before. Ernie Els carded a 68 2-under par, at Royal Lytham at St. Annes to edge 54-hole leader Adam Scott by one stroke and collect his fourth major championship of his career.

The South African made a dramatic birdie putt on his final hole, and then waited as Scott made bogey on his final four holes to let his seemingly insurmountable lead slip away.

Scott, who finished with a final round score of 75 (5-over par), had a chance to force a three-hole playoff but his championship-tying putt -- which was setup by a poor tee shot that found a fairway bunker -- just slid off the edge of the cup.

Els' comeback was highlighted by playing the final nine holes at 4-under par. Els was the only player in the top six to finish the day at 3-over par or better.

Overall, Els finished at 7-under par while Scott (-6) finished ahead of Tiger Woods (-3), Brandt Snedeker (-3), Luke Donald (-2) and Graeme McDowell (-2), respectively.

For more on the 2012 British Open, please be sure to check out our Golf Hub and SB Nation Philly for all the latest news and updates.