At the 152nd Open Championship, Royal Troon witnessed a golfing spectacle that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Xander Schauffele put on a dazzling display of skill and composure to grab the Claret Jug with both hands, making the final day a true masterclass in golf.
Schauffele’s Dominance
Schauffele wasted no time in making his intentions clear. He lit up the front nine with five birdies in nine holes, rocketing to an eight-under-par that gave him a two-shot cushion over the rest of the field.
It was a performance that screamed, “Catch me if you can,” and, spoiler alert, no one could.
Rose’s Heroic Charge
Justin Rose, the ever-consistent Englishman, was determined not to let Schauffele run away with it without a fight.
Rose, who had to scrap his way into this year’s Open, delivered a sublime final round of 67.
His crowning moment came on the 18th, where he sank a magnificent 15-foot birdie putt.
It was a finish that left the crowd roaring and Rose himself a clear second on the leaderboard. The man sure knows how to finish with flair!
Horschel and Lawrence: The Dynamic Duo
Not to be outdone, Billy Horschel and Thriston Lawrence brought their own brand of excitement to the course.
On the par-three 17th, both players hit sensational tee shots—Horschel landing five feet from the pin, and Lawrence twelve.
Horschel, ever the sharpshooter, tapped in for birdie, bringing his total to seven under and securing a tie for second place with Rose.
Horschel’s finish was the stuff of dreams, bagging three birdies in a row to end his round. Talk about going out with a bang!
Lawrence, meanwhile, had a round that could be turned into a Hollywood thriller. On the 18th, he found himself in a fairway bunker, and his escape attempt was nearly a disaster.
The ball ricocheted off the bunker’s bank, narrowly avoiding hitting him, before finally landing safely.
Lawrence managed to save par, wrapping up his week at six under. It was a Houdini act that had the crowd gasping and cheering in equal measure.
Schauffele’s Grand Finale
As the final holes unfolded, it became clear that Schauffele was in a league of his own.
His flawless front nine set the stage, and although he didn’t finish with a birdie, his steady par on the 18th was more than enough to seal the deal.
Schauffele’s final-round 65 was nothing short of brilliant, a testament to his ice-cold nerve and unwavering focus.
What’s in the Bag – Xander Schauffele
Driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (10.5°) – MCA Diamana PD 70TX Shaft
Fairway: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond (16.5°) – MCA Diamana PD 80TX Shaft
Irons: Callaway Apex TCB Irons (4-PW) – True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue X100 Shafts
Wedge: Callaway Opus Wedge (52°) – True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue Shaft
Putter: Odyssey Las Vegas Prototype Putter
Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour
