If Oliver Schniederjans had been offered a nine-under par finish at a weather-ravaged British Open he would have signed instantly, thinking the silver medal for best amateur was in the bag.

Yet the American played second fiddle to compatriot Jordan Niebrugge, who finished two shots better and tied for sixth-place - earning an exemption into next year's tournament.

Both finished in the top 12, while Ireland's Paul Dunne began the fourth round co-leader and threatening to become the first amateur to win golf's oldest major since Bobby Jones 85 years ago.