Xander Schauffele emerged from the pack and produced the round of his life to become Champion Golfer of the Year on an enthralling final day at Royal Troon.

The 30-year-old separated himself from the rest of the field with a run of four birdies in six holes on Troon’s treacherous back nine. From there, he was uncatchable. 

His total of 275 was enough for nine-under-par and a two-stroke winning margin over Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, who could only stand and applaud after Schauffele's final-round 65 took it out of their hands.

This was not a Championship lost, but a Championship won. And won in a style that will be talked about for generations.