Proud Justin Rose wins historic golfing gold for Britain after dramatic final hole showdown

Britain’s Justin Rose birdied the final hole to win the Rio Olympic golf tournament on Sunday, the first gold medallist in a sport returning to the Olympics after a 112-year absence.

Rose, who hit a hole in one on his first day, carded a final round four-under-par 67 to beat Sweden’s Henrik Stenson by two shots in a competition that went all the way to the final putts.

“Honestly this is a dream come true,” said Rose. “I’ve been thinking about Rio for a long, long time. To come out of it with a medal is incredible, and to come out of it with gold, unbelievable.

“I was in a great fight with Henrik, a good friend of mine, and it took world class golf to win today so I am very proud of the achievement and I’ve just got to let it all soak in now.”

WATCH: golden moments on Day 8 at the Rio Olympics

The overnight leader was neck-and-neck with Stenson throughout much of the final round but he hit a lovely approach shot to within feet of the pin at the last hole.