Richard Green admitted the pressure got to him after missing a putt which would have set a new Carnoustie course record and equalled the lowest-ever round in a major.

The rangy Australian shot a record-equalling round of 64, but a bogey at the 18th cost him a historic new mark.

"I definitely felt the pressure," the 36-year-old conceded. "It's a very demanding hole.

"On the last green, I thought it was going to be fantastic to make that putt and I gave myself as good an opportunity as possible.

"I read it as well as I could possibly have read it and I probably hit as good a putt as I was going to hit.

"I just missed on the low side, which was a shame."

Green was not in the original field, having only been given a chance to play when Woody Austin withdrew a fortnight ago.

But he made the most of his opportunity to set the clubhouse pace at five under with a final round that included six birdies and an eagle on a course that played better once the heavy morning rain and cold had eased.

"I was as focused as I've ever been in a golf tournament, especially after the sixth hole when I birdied," said Green, whose best Open finish is tied 32nd two years ago.

"When the weather conditions brightened up, I knew the course was going to offer up a few opportunities if I kept hitting the ball well, and fortunately they came along.

"I had my focus on shooting the course record - I had eight under in my mind.

"I guess having that in my mind took the notice a bit away from my position in the tournament and gave me a good opportunity to finish off the round as good as I could.

"It will probably be my best result in a major tournament and the Open, as well. It left me with some good experience and hopefully I'll contend in some more."