American Matt Kuchar said he was "crushed" after he lost by three strokes to compatriot Jordan Spieth in a classic head-to-head battle at the British Open on Sunday.

The 39-year-old, who has never won a major, had played solid and consistent golf throughout the week and took the lead after Spieth's bogey on the 13th hole of Royal Birkdale.

Although he did almost everything right - with birdies on the 15th and 17th-Kuchar went to the final hole two strokes down after a sensational stretch run by Spieth.

The 23-year-old Texan shot birdie, eagle, birdie, birdie, after his stumble to leave Kuchar trailing in his wake.

Kuchar's bogey on the final hole, after an unlucky plug lay in the greenside bunker, counted for nothing more than a little salt in his wounds.

The wounds were still fresh when he was asked to look back on his day.

"It's hard to explain. It's crushing," he said. "But it's an excitement and a thrill to have played well, put up a battle, put up a fight.

"You work so hard to have a chance to make history and win a championship. You don't get that many opportunities."

Reuters