LYTHAM ST. ANNES, England — Ernie Els has won his fourth major championship in an astonishing finish, rallying to beat Adam Scott in the British Open when the Aussie bogeyed the last four holes.

Scott pushed his lead back to the four strokes it was at the beginning of the round when he made birdie at the 14th hole. But Els birdied the 18th for a 2-under 68, then headed to the putting green hoping his score was good enough to get him in a playoff.

Turns out, it was good enough for the claret jug.

Scott missed a short putt at the 16th and drove into a fairway bunker at 18. After punching back in the fairway, the Aussie hit a brilliant iron to 7 feet. But the par putt slid by the cup.

First Published July 22, 2012, 8:22 p.m.