The 18-year-old Grey College pupil became the first South African medalist since qualifying was introduced in 1983 when he beat world No 5 Victor Hovland from Norway by two strokes in the 123rd edition at Royal Aberdeen.

Despite falling out of the part 2 of the championships which takes the form of a matchplay format, Nienaber tells OFM Sport that he is excited for what the future holds now that he knows he has the ability to compete among the worlds best.

"Finishing as the winner of the stroke play is a really big stepping stone for me in my golfing career, showing myself that I am able to compete at the highest level."

"I'm really looking forward to seeing my hard work pay off especially one day competing in the majors and being in contention because as a golfer that is what you strive for," Nienaber added.

Nienaber wrote his name into the history books by becoming only the 2nd South African to pick up silverware at the tournament since Bobby Cole in 1966.