Having dispelled any doubts about his capability to win a major with his PGA Championship triumph in May, Xander Schauffele delivered a flawless final-round performance at the 152nd British Open at Royal Troon Golf Club. Schauffele’s bogey-free 5-under 66 on Sunday secured him a two-shot victory over Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, marking his second major win of the season. This victory places him in the distinguished company of Brooks Koepka, who was the last player to win two majors in a year back in 2018.
A Remarkable Journey of Xander Schauffele to Victory
Schauffele’s journey to the British Open title was marked by consistency and resilience. Entering the final round, Schauffele was one stroke behind the leaders. His impeccable performance on the final nine holes, where he carded four birdies, was pivotal in clinching his ninth career PGA Tour title with a 72-hole total of 9-under 275.
The 30-year-old from San Diego had long been recognized for his potential, having accumulated 12 top-10 finishes and six top-5s in his first 27 major starts. Despite this impressive record, a major victory had eluded him until this season. Schauffele had come close before, notably at the 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, where he was tied for the lead heading into the final round but faltered with a 2-over 72, finishing two strokes behind Italy’s Francesco Molinari.
This time, Schauffele demonstrated his ability to close out a major tournament. Throughout a week of challenging conditions that transformed Troon into a test of endurance, Schauffele remained steadfast. His rounds of 67-72-69 set the stage for his final-round heroics. Saturday’s brutal weather, with wind and rain battering the course, saw Schauffele navigate through four birdies in his first 10 holes before dropping shots at the 11th and 18th. This performance kept him in contention, one stroke behind the leaders.
The Decisive Final Round
Sunday’s final round presented further challenges with a brisk southwesterly wind and overcast skies. Schauffele began with five pars, displaying remarkable patience and composure. He then embarked on a birdie spree, with six birdies in his next 10 holes, including critical ones at the 11th, 13th, 14th, and 16th. This surge propelled him into the lead, and he never looked back.
This victory at Royal Troon marked a historic moment in American golf as well. It was the first time since 1982 that all four majors were won by Americans, and the first instance since Tiger Woods’ consecutive Open Championships in 2006-07 that Americans won back-to-back titles at the Open.
The Contenders
The competition at Royal Troon was fierce. Lawrence, starting the weekend 10 strokes behind, delivered a stunning 65 on Saturday, the lowest round of the week, to position himself in the final group. His four birdies on the front nine on Sunday momentarily put him in the lead at 7 under, but he faltered with a bogey at the 12th, ultimately finishing solo fourth—his best career finish in a major, earning him a spot in next year’s Masters.
Justin Rose, at 43 years old, was aiming for his second major title, a decade after winning the 2013 U.S. Open. Despite having to go through final qualifying to make the field, Rose put up a valiant fight. A bogey at the 12th hole dented his chances, but he closed with a birdie at the last, signing for a 4-under 67 and a share of second place.
Billy Horschel, who led after 54 holes, envisioned himself lifting the Claret Jug but stumbled with bogeys after finding trouble in the pot bunkers at the third, eighth, and tenth holes. Despite his efforts to recover, signing for a 68, it was not enough. His T-2 finish marked his best result in 43 majors.
A Season of Transformation for Schauffele
Until this season, Schauffele’s most notable achievement was winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. In May, he secured his first major title at the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, outlasting Bryson DeChambeau with a clutch 5-foot birdie putt on the 72nd hole. This victory lifted a significant burden off his shoulders, instilling in him the belief that he could close out majors.
Reflecting on his PGA Championship win, Schauffele said, “I imagine it’s not going to hurt me. If I’m in that spot with a few holes to play, I think I can maybe lean on that.” This newfound confidence was evident at Royal Troon, where he validated his earlier victory and solidified his standing in the golfing world.
In just nine weeks, Schauffele shifted the narrative surrounding his career from questions of whether he could close to a burgeoning Hall of Fame-worthy legacy. Now in possession of both the Wanamaker Trophy and the Claret Jug, he has earned the title of Champion Golfer of the Year.
The Unforgiving Royal Troon
Royal Troon Golf Club is renowned for its challenging layout and unpredictable weather conditions. The course tested the mettle of the world’s best golfers, with wind from three directions, sideways rain, haze, and chill throughout the week. Schauffele’s ability to navigate these elements and outperform 158 other challengers is a testament to his skill and resilience.
The final round saw twelve players within four strokes of the lead, creating a highly competitive and dramatic conclusion to the championship. At one point, ten players were within two strokes of the lead, with four players holding the solo lead at various moments. However, Schauffele’s six birdies over 11 holes in the middle of his round turned a three-shot deficit into a three-shot lead, effectively securing his victory long before the final putt was holed.
A Season of Memorable Majors
The 2024 major season has been one of the most exciting and competitive in recent memory. Scottie Scheffler’s dominance was established with his second Masters victory in April, though his subsequent legal troubles briefly overshadowed his performance. Schauffele’s triumph at the PGA Championship saw him hold off DeChambeau, who later outdueled Rory McIlroy at the U.S. Open in one of the best finishes in recent major history.
The British Open at Royal Troon capped off the major season with a highly competitive and dramatic championship. The lead shifted multiple times throughout the week, culminating in Schauffele’s decisive final-round performance.
Challenges for Other Contenders
The week at Royal Troon was not favorable for several prominent players. Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, the heroes of the U.S. Open, struggled with the challenging conditions and missed the cut. Tiger Woods, continuing to battle injuries and limited tournament play, also failed to make the weekend. Despite his struggles, Woods expressed his intention to compete in majors next year.
The tournament saw surprise performances from lesser-known players. Dan Brown, playing in his first major, led after the first round with a 6-under performance, while Shane Lowry held the lead on Friday before faltering on the weekend. Justin Thomas, the only player from the morning wave to survive Friday’s harsh conditions, also made a notable appearance.
The Climactic Final Round
Sunday’s final round was set up for a thrilling finish with twelve players within four shots of the lead. Early birdies from Jon Rahm and steady play from Rose, Horschel, and Lawrence kept the leaderboard tight. However, Schauffele’s brilliant play on the back nine separated him from the pack.
Horschel’s double-bogey at the 10th and Rose’s bogey at the 12th opened the door for Schauffele, who capitalized with birdies at the 13th, 14th, and 16th holes. His final-round 65 was the lowest of the day and secured his victory by two strokes.
