Xander Schauffele recently won his second major title at the 152nd Open, marking an American clean sweep of the biggest golf titles. With a flawless closing round of 65 at Royal Troon, Schauffele finished two shots ahead of Billy Horschel and Justin Rose, becoming the first player to win two major titles in a year since Brooks Koepka in 2018. South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence finished fourth after leading for part of the final round.
Reflecting on his victory, Schauffele expressed his excitement, calling it a dream come true to hold the Claret Jug. As the seventh American winner in the last eight Opens at Royal Troon, Schauffele is now heading to Paris to defend his Olympic title. His impressive form, finishing no worse than 18th in his last 10 starts, solidifies his standing as a top player in the golf world.
Justin Rose, who finished second in the Open, was aiming to become the first qualifier to win the Claret Jug since 1999. Despite a strong start with early birdies, a late bogey halted his momentum, allowing Schauffele to secure the victory. Playing alongside Horschel, Lawrence also put up a strong showing with aggressive play but ultimately fell short of the top spot.
Schauffele’s closing performance included crucial birdies on the 11th, 13th, 14th, and 16th holes, giving him a comfortable lead toward the end of the round. His nerveless display was a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Meanwhile, Horschel and Lawrence battled for the second-place spot, with Rose eventually claiming it with a birdie on the final hole.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who struggled in the third round after leading at the halfway stage, bounced back with a strong final round to finish sixth. Other notable players in the mix included Jon Rahm, Sungjae Im, and Scottie Scheffler, who finished in the top ten. Despite a stumble with a four-putt on the ninth hole, Scheffler’s performance showcased the competitiveness of the field.
Overall, Schauffele’s victory at the Open adds another accolade to his growing list of achievements in the golf world. With his consistency and strong play in recent tournaments, he has solidified his position among the top players globally. As he looks ahead to future competitions, Schauffele’s win serves as a reminder of his talent and potential in the world of golf.
