Father-to-be Ross Fisher refused to be downcast after missing out on a momentous double celebration.

The 28-year-old, who played knowing his wife Jo could go into labour at any moment, led with 16 holes to go only for his hopes of a maiden major victory to be dashed by a quadruple bogey eight at the par-four fifth.

That horrendous score sent the Cheam golfer spiralling down the leaderboard to eventually finish tied for 13th place on two over.

Before rushing to catch a private jet from Prestwick airport to Farnborough in order to be at the impending birth, Fisher insisted: "I've had a great week and now I'm only looking forward to the future.

"Putting yourself into contention is what not only myself but every golfer dreams of doing. We just want to perform in the biggest and the best tournaments, and I'm no different. I'll take a lot from this week. For Tom Watson to keep it going at 59 is an inspiration. It will encourage me to keep going even when I'm in my 50s or 60s."

Lee Westwood, Fisher's playing partner, also had a turn in the lead but three bogeys in the final four holes cost the Ryder Cup star a place in the play-off. "Third place is not to be sniffed at in a major championship," said the 36-year-old. "I've just got to keep working."

He shared third place with exciting British prospect Chris Wood, the 21-year-old whose hopes of a football career with Bristol City were dashed by injury.

Wood, the leading amateur last year after finishing fifth at Royal Birkdale, banked a £255,000 cheque and said: "To follow that up as a professional is about as good as I could have hoped for."