Xander Schauffele surged into the lead with a sizzling stretch of four birdies in six holes and held on to win the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon by two strokes.
Schauffele overtook unheralded South African Thriston Lawrence on the back nine as several players had opportunities to make a run during a wide-open final round. But in the end, Schauffele’s steady play and precise iron shots ruled the day as he hit 16 of 18 greens in regulation.
England’s Justin Rose took the lead early in the final round and shot a solid 4-under 67 to finish in a tie for second.
Third-round leader Billy Horschel birdied his last three holes to tie Rose at 7-under. Lawrence finished fourth, three shots back.
With Schauffele’s triumph earlier in the season at the PGA Championship, combined with Scottie Scheffler’s victory at the Masters and Bryson DeChambeau’s win at the U.S. Open, American golfers swept the four major championships for the first time since 1982.
‘Champion Golfer of the Year’
Xander Schauffele accepted the Claret Jug during closing ceremonies at Royal Troon, thanking his family, his team, course officials, the greens crew and the R&A.
“It’s been quite a journey,” Schauffele said. “I feel very honored hearing your name called with ‘Open Champion’ right after. It’s something I’ve dreamt of for a very long time.”
He also thanked the fans in Scotland for their support.
“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.”
