Xander Schauffele emerged victorious at the 152nd Open Championship held at Royal Troon on Sunday, securing his second major title of the year.
Prior to the PGA Championship earlier in the year, Schauffele had never won a major tournament. With closing rounds of 65, he became the first player to win two majors in the same year since Jack Nicklaus accomplished this feat in his career.
Xander Schauffele, right, celebrates with caddie Austin Kaiser after winning The Open at Royal Troon, South Ayrshire, Scotland.
(Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images)
“It was challenging. It was very demanding,” reflected Schauffele with a smile after the final round. “I believe winning the first major earlier this year greatly benefited me today on the back nine. I experienced a sense of calmness that was very helpful, making it one of the best back nine’s I’ve ever played in a tournament.”
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While weather conditions at Royal Troon were more favorable on the final day, the final nine holes remained a tough challenge that players struggled with all weekend.
Billy Horschel began the day as the leader with a slim one-stroke lead, but Schauffele’s flawless performance allowed him to come from behind. He played without a bogey and surged ahead with three birdies in a four-hole stretch early on the back nine, turning a two-shot deficit into a lead of as many as three strokes.
SI WOO KIM RECORDS HISTORIC ACE AT BRITISH OPEN
“This is the best round I’ve ever played,” Schauffele expressed with a grin.
Xander Schauffele places his ball on the 15th green during his final round at the 152nd British Open on July 21, 2024.
(Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)
Despite being contenders earlier in the tournament, Horschel and Justin Rose tied for second place, just two strokes behind Schauffele.
Schauffele’s victory in Scotland on Sunday marked a historic achievement for American golfers. For the first time since 1982, U.S. golfers won all four majors in the same year. Scottie Scheffler secured his second Masters win, Bryson DeChambeau clinched his second U.S. Open title, and Schauffele completed the sweep.
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Xander Schauffele celebrates his victory at the Open on July 21, 2024.
(Charlie Crowhurst/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
“Winning two majors in a single year is a dream come true,” Schauffele expressed. “It took me a while to win just one, and now having two is truly special.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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