Monday 18 July 2016 14:58, UK
Open champion Henrik Stenson feels the spirit of his late friend Michael Gerbich helped him claim the first major title of his career at Royal Troon on Sunday.
Stenson produced a stunning final round to get his hands on the famous Claret Jug, fending off the challenge of Phil Mickelson and finishing with a score of 20 under par - the joint-lowest in major history, equalling Jason Day's record from the 2015 PGA Championship.
In the aftermath of his victory, Stenson dedicated his performance to the memory of Gerbich, who lost his battle with cancer on the eve of the tournament at the age of 74.
Stenson says the desire to win for his close friend provided him with extra motivation.
"I felt he was out there with me. He was a really keen golfer and always followed us, not just me but some of the other tour players out in Dubai," the Swede told Sky Sports News HQ.
"He always sent me messages and I just felt he was out there with me. I was really trying an extra bit harder for him as well and it was really special to win, given that as well."
Stenson's stunning final round of 63 was the joint-lowest in major history, with his final score of 264 the lowest winning total for any 72-hole major championship.
When asked what winning a major meant to him, Stenson added: "It's to have your name with the greats and the past champions.
"It's something quite special to be the first male Swede to win a major championship and for it to be the icing on the cake for my career.
"I have won some nice trophies and tournaments all around the world, the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai, but a major championship was missing. But I am holding it now, so I am very pleased."
His battle with Mickelson also evoked memories of the 'Duel in the Sun' between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977, and Stenson says he enjoyed every minute of it.
He added: "You always enjoy the punches, don't you?"
"It was kind of the same on Saturday, we were going head-to-head for the whole weekend and I think it just brought the best out of both players.
"We played some extraordinary golf and at the start yesterday there were birdies and eagles. I finished off with some great birdies on the way home, so it was a very memorable day for me on the golf course."
