Ernie Els is the winner of the 2012 British Open 2012. The golfer finished in first place after Adam Scott missed a short putt that would have pushed the Open to a playoff.

Els becomes the first golfer to win a major in three difference decades. 

Els came into the final round tied for fifth. He shot a -68 after birding in four out the nine holes to finish strong, something Scott, who entered the final round in first place, could not do.

Els, who hails from South Africa has been playing professional golf since 1989 and he is 42-years old. 

He came into the competition ranked 32nd.

Adams Scott said he was very disappointed with his performance down the stretch, but was proud of the way he played in the first parts of the final round. He finished the round shooting a 75. 

He was in control of the first place lead but Els began building momentum in the latter part of the round. Scott shot bogeys in four straight rounds and seven bogeys in the final round in total.

Meanwhile, Els was cruising and playing close to perfect golf as Scott struggled. 

Bradt Snedeker and Tiger Woods both finished tied for third place. Woods shot a 73, while Snedeker shot a 74. 

Els said Adam Scott has great chances of winning in the future, "You are going to win many of these. You have too much talent," said Els as he accepting the Claret Jug and gold medal.