Henrik Stenson

The Swede had watched his fellow countryman contend and fall short of winning The Open crown, while he had his own near-miss to contend with when he finished second at Muirfield in 2013.

But his time finally arrived three years later at Royal Troon, where he lived up to his nickname of ‘The Iceman’ to get the better of rival Phil Mickelson after a classic final-day battle.

So good was the tussle between Stenson and Mickelson many compared it to the classic ‘Duel in the Sun’ between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus almost 40 years before it.

And to celebrate Sweden’s first male major-winner turning 43, we’ve delved into the rollercoaster journey that led to Stenson realising his Champion Golfer ambition.

And 12 years after making his Open debut, Stenson challenged for the Claret Jug for the first time at The 142nd Open at Muirfield as he finished runner-up to Mickelson in 2013.

Stenson had held the lead for brief moments during the final round but it wasn’t to be his year as the American triumphed with a stunning five-under 66 to win by three shots.

“Phil finished with four birdies in the last six holes to win,” said Stenson. “There wasn’t really anyone who lost it. He stepped up to the plate and made some good birdies and won The Open.”