Read more: Xander Schauffele Takes Home Record Purse at 2024 Open Championship

Troon, Scotland – Xander Schauffele sealed his place among golf's true elites with a performance of a lifetime at Royal Troon on Sunday, overcoming intense pressure to win his second major title of 2024 and become the first player in 90 years to win two majors in a single season.

Schauffele entered the final round with a two-shot deficit but fired a bogey-free 6-under par 65 to pull away from the field and secure a two-shot victory. His total of 9-under par 275 for the championship was the best of the week amid challenging windy conditions at Troon.

Xander Schauffele competes on the 15th hole during the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club in Troon, Scotland, July 21, 2024. /CFP

The 30-year-old Californian became the first player since Jordan Spieth in 2015 to win his first two majors in the same season. He previously won the PGA Championship in May at Southern Hills, holding on for a one-shot win after nearly bogeying the final hole.

“It’s a dream come true to win two majors in one year,” Schauffele said. “It took me forever just to win one, and to have two now is something else.”

Schauffele turned in one of the most memorable final rounds in Open history on Sunday. He started with three straight pars before birdieing four of five holes on the front nine to draw even. That kicked off a decisive stretch where he made birdies on three of four holes beginning at the par-3 11th to take the lead.

Xander Schauffele of the United States reacts to his putt on the 10th green during his final round of the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland, Sunday, July 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Schauffele maintained control down the stretch, closing with 11 straight pars to finish at 9-under 275. It's the lowest score in an Open round at Troon, matching the mark set earlier in the week.

“I think winning the first one helped me a lot today on the back nine,” he said. “I had some feeling of calmness come through. It was very helpful on what has been one of the hardest back nines I’ve ever played in a tournament.”

Americans Billy Horschel and Justin Rose finished tied for second at 7-under after each shot a final round of 68. But they were unable to keep pace with Schauffele's scorching back nine, where he played the difficult closing stretch in 5-under par.

“He has a lot of horsepower,” Rose said. “He’s good with a wedge, he’s great with a putter, he hits the ball a long way, obviously his iron play is strong. So he’s got a lot of weapons out there. I think probably one of his most unappreciated ones is his mentality. He’s such a calm guy out there.

“I don’t know what he’s feeling, but he certainly makes it look very easy.”

With the victory, Schauffele became the seventh American winner in the last eight British Opens held at Royal Troon. 

By the time he two-putted for birdie on the legendary 14th, Schauffele had assumed full command of the claret jug race with a three-shot lead. The packed galleries, sensing a special moment unfolding, were in full roar but could not shake the steely American's focus. A par-saving up and down on 16 effectively sealed the victory before a euphoric walk up the 18th, where he pumped his fist in celebration of a hard-fought championship.

It was further confirmation, were any needed, of Schauffele's status among the game's truly elite. At just 30 years old, he has already added two majors to his resume this season alone following his breakthrough at Valhalla. His incredible 65 on the day, just one shy of the course record, underlined not only his world-class ability but also his remarkable composure under immense major championship pressure.

Xander Schauffele of the United States touches the Claret Jug trophy during a press conference after winning the British Open Golf Championships at Royal Troon golf club in Troon, Scotland, Sunday, July 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Horschel and playing partner Justin Rose also impressed in posting matching 67s, but it was Schauffele's name that would be etched on the base of golf's oldest trophy. With this win, he became the first player since the iconic Jack Nicklaus to win his first two career majors in the same year. Royal Troon, and the entire watching golf world, had just bared witness to the arrival of a new great in the game - Xander the Great.

Key moments in Xander Schauffele's winning round at the British Open

Early momentum: Schauffele began the day two strokes behind the leaders. He promptly made his presence known by birdieing the second hole, keeping him in contention on a tightly packed leaderboard.

Turning Point on the Back Nine: The critical moment occurred during a stunning run on the back nine, when Schauffele made four birdies in six holes. He started this run with a birdie on the 11th hole, followed by a brilliantly executed wedge shot to three feet for another birdie on the 12th.

Key Birdies: Schauffele made a 16-foot birdie putt on the 13th and then a 12-foot birdie on the par-3 14th. This surge enabled him to take the lead and widen the space between himself and the chasing pack.

Maintaining Control: While competitors such as Justin Rose and Billy Horschel made moves, Schauffele remained calm and composed. He played bogey-free golf, which was critical given the tough weather circumstances.

Final Stretch: Schauffele's ability to make pars on the final holes while his competitors struggled helped him maintain his advantage. He finished at 6-under 65, winning by two strokes with a total score of 9-under 275.

References: https://apnews.com/article/xander-schauffele-british-open-royal-troon-746d88621b9237c02247a1c0b961ad41