British Open 2015: Results, Highlights from St. Andrews Weekend

Zach Johnson claimed a terrific British Open victory Monday, winning a three-man play-off against Louis Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman to lift the Claret Jug at St. Andrews.

The American added to his 2007 Masters title in memorable fashion, tallying one under in the four-hole shootout, compared to Oosthuizen's par and Leishman's two over. You can see the leaderboard below (be sure to check the British Open's official website for the full standings).

This dramatic end to the tournament—which was held up due to poor weather on the Scottish course—underlined a fantastic five days of golf that offered a glimpse into the future while also celebrating the past.

Spieth, Amateurs Highlight Young Quality

Jon Super/Associated Press

Yes, Jordan Spieth was unable to add the British Open crown to his U.S. Open and Masters successes; however, he performed admirably under the weight of expectation that marked him as an early favourite.

It's vital to remember Spieth is just 21 years old. He has gained mainstream traction quickly and is learning to deal with being golf's targeted man when Rory McIlroy isn't around.

Although his final-round double bogey on the eighth hole eventually saw him fall one short of Johnson, Oosthuizen and Leishman, Spieth still managed to compete until the end.

His disappointment, yet acceptance of defeat, highlighted a player who understands he has plenty of developing left to do, per ESPN's SportsCenter:

Spieth's performance was backed up by fellow youngsters Jordan Niebrugge (21) and Paul Dunne (22), who disregarded their amateur tags to underline the generation of quality coming into the sport.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Dunne enjoyed a share of the lead heading into Monday, but unfortunately he let the occasion get the better of him when paired with Oosthuizen for the championship run. His final-round 78 included six bogeys and a double bogey, pushing him to a tie for 30th once play finished, but the Irishman's achievements shouldn't be discounted.

He went 12 under across the opening three rounds, dropping just two shots along 54 holes. That's emphatic consistency from a player who only qualified for the competition with a strong showing at Hoylake prior to the tournament. Dunne has marked himself as one to watch and can head into the future knowing he is able to mix it up with the best.

Although Niebrugge's assault on the leaderboard didn't grab as many headlines because he was never in contention for the win, he finished the tournament joint-sixth on 11 under. He shot five-under 67s twice and landed a silver medal for his efforts, highlighted by The Open's official Twitter account:

As highlighted by the aforementioned account, Dunne and Niebrugge's achievements were backed up by fellow amateurs Oliver Schniederjans and Ashley Chesters (both tied 12th):

With legendary stars such as Tiger Woods failing to make the cut, this year's British Open suggested a flock of exciting, quickly improving players are ready to impact the sport. Vitally, Spieth isn't alone.

Faldo, Watson Wave Goodbye to the British Crowd

Peter Morrison/Associated Press

Just as emerging talents defined much of the weekend's coverage, special moments were reserved for Sir Nick Faldo and Tom Watson, two icons of the sport who bowed out of the British Open for the last time at St. Andrews.

Faldo endured a nightmare start, shooting 83—including eight bogeys and a double bogey—but managed to enjoy a second-round 71 on his final stint. He had one last surprise before wrapping up, however, and decided to rock his Open-winning jumper from 1987 as he crossed the final bridge, highlighted by the tournament's Twitter account:

Watson, too, never looked like he'd advance beyond the cut. With darkness descending, he just managed to complete a second-round 80 in front of hordes of fans who stayed to wish him well. The result never mattered.

Like Faldo before him, Watson enjoyed the love in a pressure-free journey across the course. SportsCenter provided an image of his last step onto the bridge:

The Open posted a stirring tribute to the star:

As such, this year's British Open was memorable on many fronts. All will have watched on as Faldo and Watson savoured a final salute.