July 21st 2024.
What a thrilling final round it was at the 152nd Open as Xander Schauffele emerged victorious with a two-shot lead. It was an impressive performance by the American golfer, who claimed his second major championship title. He started the day trailing behind overnight leader Billy Horschel but managed to deliver a flawless round of 65, without any bogeys, to secure the win in style.
This triumph also marks a significant achievement for Schauffele, as he becomes the first player since Brooks Koepka in 2018 to win two majors in a single calendar year. It's been quite a year for him, having already broken his major drought with a win at the US PGA Championship in May.
The final round conditions were much more favorable compared to the brutal weather on Saturday, allowing several players on the jam-packed leaderboard to make their move. Justin Rose, who had to qualify for the tournament, got off to a strong start with two birdies in his first four holes. He was quickly joined by Thriston Lawrence and overnight leader Billy Horschel, who also made early birdies and were tied for the lead at five under par.
Meanwhile, 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry was also making a charge with four birdies on the front nine. However, his momentum was disrupted by a bogey on the 11th hole. It was at this point that Xander Schauffele took control of the game and charged through the leaderboard.
A bogey from Rose on the 12th hole briefly moved Lawrence into the solo lead, but he too stumbled with a bogey on the same hole. This opened the door for Schauffele to make his move and he did so with confidence. The 30-year-old, who had previously finished as a runner-up at the Open in 2018, showed nerves of steel as he conquered the course.
Schauffele made back-to-back birdies on the accessible sixth and seventh holes, before really hitting his stride on the back nine with three birdies in his first five holes. He continued to dominate with another birdie on the 16th hole, and two solid pars on the final stretch secured his two-shot victory over playing partner Rose and fellow American Horschel.
It's been a long time coming for Schauffele, who was once considered one of the best active players without a major title. But with this win, he has silenced the critics and proven that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Congratulations to the new Open champion, Xander Schauffele!
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