Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell shot a final-round 68 to win the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond, Scotland. The victory was the biggest of McDowell's career and almost assured him of a spot on Europe's 2008 Ryder Cup team.

McDowell finished at 13-under par, two shots ahead of South African James Kingston (66), and earned $1 million. "This is just unbelievable, it really was a tough weekend's golf and it is a massive relief," McDowell said. "I have never had a two-shot lead coming up the last in a professional tournament and I have to say I prefer it to the playoffs.

"I don't think I've ever shaken as much as I did coming done that stretch." It was an emotional day for McDowell as his recently-retired father, mother and many relatives were in the gallery. "My dad first put a club in my hand when I was seven and he's been with me for 20 years, through thick and thin," he said. "He just retired last Friday. This is my retirement present to him. He's an emotional man and I'm sure there'll be a few tears tonight."

McDowell should be a lock to make the European team, which will compete against the Americans at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville this September. "I put the Ryder Cup up there with winning majors," he said. "It's something I have really, really desperately wanted. I refused to be measured for my Ryder Cup clothes last week but maybe I will accept next time. It's never over till it's over of course, but this is a massive step in the right direction. It will be a dream come true."

Australian left-hander Richard Green (69) and Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez (69) tied for third a shot back of Kingston, while Englishman Simon Khan finished in fifth after a 72.

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