Xander Schauffele emerged as the winner of the 152nd British Open with a final-round 65 at Royal Troon. Starting the day one stroke behind the leader, Schauffele displayed supreme control to finish at nine-under 275, securing the victory with a par on the 18th green. Justin Rose finished two shots back in tied second place, while Billy Horschel birdied the 18th to join Rose on seven under. The win marked Schauffele’s second major victory, following his dominant performance at the PGA Championship earlier in the year.
American dominance in major championships continued as Schauffele’s victory marked the seventh consecutive major win by an American golfer. Schauffele’s precision golf, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation and nine of 14 fairways, showcased his command of the course. The final round saw Schauffele making six birdies without a single bogey, demonstrating his proficiency in navigating the links golf environment. His victory also contributed to the first time since 1982 that Americans have swept all four majors in a season, showcasing the country’s golfing talent.
The tense final round of the British Open saw multiple players in contention for the title, including Justin Rose who briefly led the tournament. Schauffele’s accurate play off the tee, on the fairways, and the greens set him apart from the competition, as he maintained control throughout the round. Despite a strong performance by Rose and other contenders, Schauffele’s birdies on crucial holes allowed him to secure a comfortable lead and eventually claim victory. The win was a culmination of Schauffele’s dream of becoming the Open champion, a title he had long aspired to achieve.
Following his win, Schauffele expressed his excitement at being presented with the Claret Jug and the significance of the victory in his career. The American golfer’s flawless performance at Royal Troon solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the world. Despite the challenging conditions and competition, Schauffele remained composed and focused, delivering a masterclass in navigating the course and clinching the championship. His approach to the game, combined with his strategic play and mental toughness, proved to be the winning formula in securing the British Open title.
In a tournament where the leaderboard constantly shifted, Schauffele’s consistency and composure stood out, allowing him to emerge as the deserving champion. His ability to capitalize on key opportunities and maintain a steady performance throughout the final round showcased his skill and determination. As the last American golfer to win the British Open, Schauffele’s victory added another chapter to the country’s rich golfing history. The win also exemplified the competitiveness and talent of the American golfers on the global stage, setting a high standard for future championships.