The current men’s Olympic champion, the current men’s PGA Championship winner, is now The Open Championship winner. A superb, final round, six-under-par 65 was enough to claim his first Claret Jug.
The American, born in San Diego, California finished on nine-under-par, two shots clear of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel. Once he got going, after birdies at six and seven, Schauffele never looked like dropping any shots. He avoided mistakes, he avoided bogeys and he made the back nine look easy.
Birdies at 11, 13, 14 and 16 produced the best round of the day and deservedly crowned Schauffele the winner. Schauffele was only one shot back of leader Horschel going into the final round at three-under-par and despite what may have been a disappointing second-round score, a one over par 72, Schauffele went quietly about his business and was also in arms reach of the Claret Jug.
Schauffele topped both tables for par three and par four scoring, finishing at four-under-par on both. He also topped strokes gained at +16.329.
Schauffele has now become the first player to win the PGA Championship and The Open since Rory McIlroy in 2014. He becomes the first play since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to get first two major wins in the same season.
Schauffele also completes a clean sweep for the Americans this major year, with the US winning all four majors for the first time since 1982. Royal Troon also continues to be a happy hunting ground for America, as Schauffele becomes the seventh American winner in the last eight Opens at Troon.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn his speech after receiving the Claret Jug, Schauffele said:
“I feel very honoured. Hearing your name called with “Open Champion” right after is something I’ve dreamt of for a very long time.
“I’ve been in Scotland for two weeks now. The fans — you guys have been amazing. You guys have made it feel like a second home for me, and I can’t wait to come back.”
Silver Medal
Scotland’s own Calum Scott won the 152nd Open silver medal after being lowest scoring amateur this week. Scott finished tied 43rd, finishing eight-over-par for the tournament. A one under 70 in his third round would of been a particular highlight given how hard weather conditions made play on Saturday.
Scott finished second and only 1.3 yards behind Bryson DeChambeau in driving distance this week, averaging 335.5 yards. A remarkable stat for the the 20 year-old.
Scott was very emotional as he walked down the 18th and shortly after said:
“I could hear all my friends and family and people I know through golf out there, the support has been brilliant.”
The Open will return in 2025 at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. Previously in 2019, Shane Lowry won the Claret Jug, eventually finishing sixth this year at Royal Troon.
If there was ever a major where the pressure to end your major drought is all on Rory McIlroy, a major in your home country is going to be the one.
Cover image: TROON, SCOTLAND – JULY 21: Xander Schauffele of the United States lifts the Claret Jug on the 18th green in celebration of victory on day four of The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on July 21, 2024 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
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