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2024 / Royal Troon
Xander Schauffele produced a performance for the ages as he surged to victory at The 152nd Open.
The American got his hands on the Claret Jug after a sensational final-round 65 which included a run of four birdies in six holes on Royal Troon's notoriously challenging back nine.
The 30-year-old arrived at the Ayrshire links in fantastic form, having just earned his first major title at the PGA Championship two months earlier and boasting top-20 finishes in each of his previous ten majors.
His nine-under-par total of 275 saw him finish two strokes clear of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, who both played outstanding golf across the week.
Rose – the 1998 Silver Medal winner – only secured his spot at the Championship after coming through Final Qualifying at Burnham & Berrow, and found himself in a share of the lead on Sunday as he pushed for a second major title.
His countryman Daniel Brown, the surprise first-round pacesetter, joined South African Thriston Lawrence, Rose and Horschel in topping the leaderboard at various points with no runaway leader in sight - unlike 12 months previous when Brian Harman raced clear of the pack in The 151st Open at Royal Liverpool to win by six.
Major champions Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler also helped make up a packed Sunday leaderboard that saw ten players sit within four shots of the lead heading towards the final stretch of holes.
Weather conditions had improved on Sunday after players were forced to battle the elements to simply stay in contention on moving day, and it was Schauffele who seized the moment to take full control of the Championship, reeling off a series of world class shots worthy of any Champion Golfer.
He recorded the only birdie of the day on 11 after a sensational 171-yard approach, and had his putter to thank for further birdies on 13 and 14. The masterclass continued with another birdie on 16 – moving the Olympic gold medallist into a commanding position.
And despite the best efforts of the chasing pack his 9-under-par aggregate couldn’t be matched. Two closing pars ensured the Claret Jug was his – and a lifelong ambition had been realised.
“As a kid you dream of it,” he said.
“I tried to force myself to dream of it as of late. It's surreal. It is a dream come true.
"It's always a special trip coming over here. Growing up in the States, it's a privilege to travel playing golf.
"It's something I always look forward to. The wind, the rain, the fans, the deep bunkers - you name it. It's something I always enjoy and it probably helped me win this thing."
It was also a Sunday to savour for Scotland’s Calum Scott who also got his hands on silverware of his own – the Silver Medal for the low amateur.
His memories walking up the 18th in front of packed grandstands at Royal Troon will stay with him forever.
“I could hear all my friends and family and people I know through golf out there.
“The support has been brilliant.
“My caddie and assistant coach said to me to ‘soak this in’ on the 18th. I pretty much had it at that point so he was just like soak it in. I did and the last 100 yards walking I got kind of emotional.”
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