Phil Mickelson, the new Open champion, last night hailed his greatest triumph, a victory he insisted was made in Scotland.
The 43-year-old, fresh from winning the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart seven days ago, savoured a double Scotch at Muirfield as he romped to a three-stroke victory over Sweden's Henrik Stenson to capture the Claret Jug for the first time in 20 attempts.
Mickelson, the five-time major champion who was beaten to the US Open title at Merion last month, believes his conquest at Castle Stuart paved the way for his Open success. He said: "It was a special week for me and it gave me the confidence heading into this week.
"It was exactly what I needed to propel myself into this championship. Playing well in that final day in difficult conditions gave me the confidence that I could play some of my best golf on links conditions. And I did here. Today was as good as I could play. It was one of the best rounds I've ever played. I knew I needed to bring my 'A' game today. And I did."
Mickelson, five shots off the overnight lead held by England's Lee Westwood, came charging up a cluttered leaderboard with a sparkling five-under 66 to finish with a three-under 281, the only aggregate under-par.
He picked up birdies at 13 and 14 to bolster his assault and, as the rest of the contenders faltered on the closing stretch, Mickelson stood firm and birdied his closing two holes to power over the finishing line.
He said: "When I was walking up 17 that was the moment I had to compose myself. That was the moment I realised that the championship was very much in my control. I was getting a little emotional. I had to take a second to slow down my walk and try to regain my composure."
Mickelson added: "I saw one-under was leading on 17 and I had a chance to get a two-shot lead if I were to two putt. I believe this is the first year we've had electric scoreboards here at the Open and I was able to see one right there on 17."
Westwood, aiming for a first major victory at the 62nd attempt and striving to follow compatriot Justin Rose's US Open win, led by three at one stage but stumbled to a closing 75 and had to settle for a share of third on 285 with Masters winner Adam Scott and the charging Ian Poulter, who raced up the field with a 67.
The 40-year-old former European No.1 said: "There wasn't any luck involved. I just didn't hit the good shots when it mattered."
Westwood now has eight top-three finishes in the majors over the last five years. He added: "I'm not too disappointed. I don't really get disappointed with golf anymore. I'm a philosophical person."
Mickelson joins a clan of Muirfield champions that includes the likes of Tom Watson, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Walter Hagen, Lee Trevino and Nick Faldo.
Asked if his surname has any Caledonian connections, Mickelson adopted a Scottish accent and said: "I don't know. Maybe a wee bit. The past champions here at Muirfield are exceptional and to be part of that feels great."
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