Justin Rose out-duelled Sweden's Henrik Stenson to secure the first Olympic Games golf gold medal for 112 years.
The world number 12 couldn't be separated from Stenson, winner of the 2016 Open Championship, over the course of the final 18 holes, needing a sublime pitch on the final hole to set up the winning putt.
Starting a shot ahead of the Swede going into the last day, Stenson levelled several times throughout the round, including to go into the final two holes at 15-under after the 16th.
Both golfers found the edge of the fairway on their tee-shots on the 18th, but Rose's pitch to within six-feet of the pin was enough to have the edge over Stenson.
The Swede missed his long birdie putt and also missed his par putt, to give Rose two putts to win gold. But he only needed one.
“This feels better than any tournament I’ve ever won. This is so unique. The crowd out there today were incredible," Rose said.
“It’s a cross between gold and a carnival atmosphere, with people being so patriotic, the Union Jack was flying out there – it was amazing.
“The whole week has been incredible. Representing Team GB and feeling like you’re bigger than just your individual sport is just incredible."
Rose's fellow Brit, Masters champion Danny Willett, shot a final-round 74 to finish on level par for the tournament. Rose, meanwhile, racked up six birdies in his round to to finish on 16-under.
“Henrik was never going to give an inch today. The only bogey he made was on 18 and that’s because he was trying to force the first putt in. He gave me nothing and I knew that would be the case. My goal today was to out-Stenson Stenson.
“To come up with that pitch [on the 18th] when I needed it is magical.”