Sandy Lyle birdies No. 18 in possibly last Open Championship round

If Sandy Lyle's Open Championship playing rounds are over, Lyle finished in the best possible way.

Lyle, the two-time major champion who won the Open in 1985, missed the Open cut this year at 9-over. But on No. 18, he birdied and got a warm welcome from the gallery.

After making the 30-foot putt, Lyle took off his hat and showed a big smile.

What a way to finish for @SandyLyle1 in what is potentially his last Open.

Thanks Sandy. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/xjmIm84yJK

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 20, 2018

At 60 years old and a former Open champion, Lyle was in the last year of his exemption into the tournament. Lyle could earn another exemption, however, by winning the Senior Open Championship. That's how Bernhard Langer qualified this year. The 2018 Senior Open Championship is July 26 to 29.

"There's always a chance I could play my way back into the tournament. I will try. I won't totally, totally give up," Lyle said.

"In theory, it seems like it's the last Open for me as far as turning back. I'll have to work to get back in again. I have no regrets. I've had a good run."