Fitzpatrick sank five birdies and recorded three bogeys during his final round of 68 for a tournament tally of six-under-par.

This was enough for a one-stroke victory over the Masters champions Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris, who finished on five-under-par.

The 27-year-old feels that he had an advantage at the course.

“The feeling's out of this world,” said Fitzpatrick.

“It is so cliché, but it's stuff you dream of as a kid. I can retire a happy man tomorrow.

“Having won the US Amateur here as well, I just felt so comfortable around this place.

“Any time you're sharing a record with Jack Nicklaus, it's unbelievable.

So, for me to have that as well is incredible. He called me up down there just at the presentation to congratulate me. Coming from someone like that, it means the world.”

In 2013, Fitzpatrick won the 2013 US Amateur title at the same venue.

The only South African to make the cut, MJ Daffue, finished in a share for 31st during what was also his maiden major.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport