Xander Schauffele has seemingly found his X-factor, catapulting him to greater heights in his career. He recently clinched his second Major of the season, notably keeping a bogey-free final round of 65, equating to nine-under-par 275 in the 152nd Open Championship. With this victory, Schauffele has added the Claret Jug to his collection, a feat that complements his US PGA champion title secured back in May with the Wanamaker Trophy.
As the competition unfolded under favourable links conditions and gusty westerly winds — minus the severe rain that made the third round on Saturday a daunting task, Schauffele stole the show. He adeptly navigated the course hole after hole, ultimately finishing two shots ahead of England’s Justin Rose and fellow American player, Billy Horschel.
Interestingly, London 2016 Olympic gold medallist, Rose and Tokyo 2020 victor, Schauffele found themselves paired in the final round. Each was tasked with closing the gap on the leading player, Horschel, amid a crowded top group of contenders.
Participants faced the quintessential seaside test, the windy weather compelling innovative tactics; golfers and caddies were seen wrestling with decisions about distances and club choices. The tournament showcased some unexpected moments, such as world number one Scottie Scheffler’s three-putt from six feet or his misplaced tee-shot into the rough.
Among others, American Sam Burns had a disappointing run. Posting an 80, his performance fell apart with a string of missteps, including a double-bogey and a triple bogey on the 11th and 12th holes. Similarly, Justin Thomas’s aspirations were dashed early on when his erratic opening drive veered out-of-bounds.
Persisting diligently on his quest for the grand trophy, Schauffele emerged as a multi-major champion. Born in San Diego, the 30-year-old champion earned his place in history as the first person since Brooks Koepka in 2018 to claim two Majors in the same year, and analogous to Rory McIlroy in 2014, he won both the Open and the US PGA in one season, elevating his status significantly.
“Securing the initial victory [at Valhalla] greatly aided my performance today during the back nine. I experienced a moment of serenity that proved tremendously advantageous in what is undoubtedly one of the toughest back nines I’ve played in a competition. To be truthful, achieving two Majors in one year is like a dream come true. What was once a prolonged battle to win one has now become a twin victory which feels surreal,” Schauffele expressed.
Despite commencing the tournament with five consecutive pars, he demonstrated unyielding composure without showing any signs of frustration. As Schauffele kept a steady pace, others, specifically South African Thriston Lawrence with a string of four birdies, took what seemed to be an advantage, turning the game around in 32.
What initially appeared to be a face-off among Lawrence, Horschel, and Rose soon had a new entrant. Schauffele’s gradual start was sparked by successive birdies on the sixth and seventh holes, pushing him into contention. Maintaining his stride, he continued his flawless performance, adding birdies on the 11th, 13th, 14th, and 16th holes, cementing his lead and closing the deal.
Defeat is always bitter, expressed Rose, admitting to feeling “devastated” as he exited the course. “There was a pivotal moment halfway through the back nine where momentum tipped in Xander’s favor. Despite some well-struck putts on my part that didn’t convert, the lead suddenly widened. As far as my performance and emotional control were concerned, I gave it my all,” Rose confessed.
Horschel started the final round with his grasp firmly on the trophy, however, he lost his lead despite finishing with three subsequent birdies from the 16th and joined Rose in second place. Commenting on his resilience, Horschel said, “It’s in my DNA to continually resist and fight on until the end.”
Just like the US PGA, Shane Lowry found himself in Schauffele’s aftermath. He lamented, “I was amid prospects of winning this Open, which will take a few days to recover from, but the future beckons. Xander seldom messes up, does he? I began two behind at the PGA, shot a fair score and still couldn’t reach him. His leader position skills are undeniable.”
Lowry was the top performer among the four Irish participants who cleared the cut, securing the sixth position. However, Pádraig Harrington, who now progresses to the Senior Open at Carnoustie this week, proved that at 52, he can still hold his own in the Majors, finishing in a tied-22nd place with a closing 72 for 288.
Tom McKibbin proved his mettle by making two cuts from two Majors, following a tied-41st at the US Open with a tied-66th here, contributing to his ongoing learning process.
Schauffele’s learning journey has seen him soar to new heights, leading up to defending his Olympic title in a matter of weeks.
When asked to rank the final round, he said, “It’s at the absolute peak. It’s my finest performance to date.” And that’s what it takes to be declared the Champion Golfer of the Year.