Johnston overcame windy conditions to secure a two-shot success in the Men’s stroke play event, becoming the first Scot to win the coveted silverware since Wallace Booth in 2008.

Having won the African Amateur at Leopard Creek in March, the Dumfries & County player has strengthened his Walker Cup claims after landing his biggest win in the game to date. The 24-year-old, coached by James Erksine, posted closing rounds of 69 and 71 for a nine-under-total, two ahead of fast-finishing Englishman Matthew Jordan from Royal Liverpool.

Peebles’ Craig Howie slipped to a closing three-over 74 but still finished in a tie for third on five under alongside Australian David Micheluzzi, whose hopes were ended after he sliced out of bounds onto the railway line at 17. Drumoig’s Connor Syme ensured three Scots finished in the top five with his four-under total.

Johnston, who joins a winners’ list that includes recent champions Andrew Sullivan, Tommy Fleetwood and Richie Ramsay, birdied three of his first six holes in the final round thanks to an expert short game and held on for glory.

“It was just a grind all day, to be honest,” he admitted. “It was a windy all day, especially on the back nine in the final round.