Italy's Federico Zucchetti achieved something that eluded the two Molinari Brothers and also Matteo Manassero in capturing the prestigious St.

Andrews Links Trophy.

The 20-year old Milan amateur giant came from two strokes back heading into the final round but then had to wait two hours before being confirmed as the new champion.

Zucchetti, who stands 6 foot 2 inches, is only the third non - GB & I golfer in the 38-year history to win the St Andrews Links Trophy and with the 2013 Italian Open champion and also last week's Italian Amateur Stroke-Play winner posting a final round of 72 for a two under par tally.

"To win at the Old Course is very special especially after finishing third in this tournament last year and just one shot behind," he said Zucchetti.

"I shot one under on the Jubilee course on Friday and I was six shots from the lead so I knew it would be tough as the Old Course can be very hard.

"But to win also with all the grandstands, scoreboards and tee markers already in place for The Open next month was like an incentive for me as I won in Turin last week where they play the Italian Open.

"My next event is the Amateur Championship and I am going there with two wins and maybe I can do the same as Matteo (Manassero) as that would be very special."

Manassero won the 2009 British Amateur and has since gone on to four times on the European Tour including denying Scot Marc Warren in capturing the 2013 BMW PGA Championship.

Previous non GB & I winners of the St. Andrews Links since its inception since in 1989 include Australia's Stuart Bouvier (1990) and Dutchman Daan Huizing (2012).

Flippo Campigli made it an Italian one-two finish recording a 68, and the lowest closing round, for a one under par tally.

Ireland's John-Ross Galbraith had led right up until the 14th hole when he put his second shot into a bunker on the adjoining fifth fairway but then taking two shots to get out on route to a triple bogey '8'.

Galbraith then bogeyed the infamous 'Road Hole' 17th in an eventual score of 76 to finish in a three way share of third place with Peebles Craig Howie and with the 2012 Scottish Boys champion signing for a round of 70 and a level par tally.

Also third was Drumoig's Connor Syme who birdied the last in a score of 73.