Jacob Skov Olesen

A left-hander who, at Ballyliffin in Ireland on June 22, became Denmark’s first winner of the prestigious Amateur Championship in a history which dates back to 1885.

Olesen, who went into the week 88th on the World Amateur Golf Ranking, earned himself not only a place at Royal Troon, but also spots in next year’s US Open and, by tradition, The Masters at Augusta National.

He was making his debut in the event, but came through the 36-hole stroke play qualifying in joint 21st place and then battled through six rounds of match play to lift the title.

The former University of Arkansas player was taken to the 20th hole in the last 16 and came from two down with four to play against Walker Cup star Calum Scott in the quarter-finals, but in the 36-hole final against England’s Dominic Clemons – winner of the Scottish Open stroke play title by an incredible 17 shots at Muirfield at the start of June, including a closing 62 – he quickly turned a two-hole lunchtime lead into a six-hole advantage and eventually triumphed 4&3.

“I’m really proud to be the first Danish winner,” he said.

“I guess that’s something I’ll have forever, which is super cool.”

Olesen represented his country in last year’s Eisenhower Trophy world team championship.