London - South Africa's Jovan Rebula, the nephew of four-time major winner Ernie Els, won the British Amateur championship on Saturday.

The 20-year-old defeated Ireland's Robin Dawson 3 and 2 at Royal Aberdeen to become the first South African to lift the trophy since Bobby Cole in 1966.

Rebula's victory allows him to enter next month's British Open at Carnoustie, next year's US Open at Pebble Beach and earns an invitation to the 2019 Masters.

"I feel like many have been in this position before but it's an unreal feeling," said Rebula.

"I'm shattered. It's been a long week and especially today. I should have finished maybe a couple of holes earlier."

On playing in the 147th British Open - a tournament his uncle won in 2002 and 2012 - he said: "Growing up in South Africa The Open Championship is the major that you want to win.

"I've never played Carnoustie. I've just heard about how brutal it is!"