In a thrilling final day at Royal Troon, Sweed Henrik Stenson shot a joint record eight-under-par 63 to win the 145th Open Championship by three shots.
The Sweed held a one-shot lead over 2013 Open Champion Phil Mickelson, going into the final round on Sunday. After both players tussling over the lead, it took Stenson to make four birdies out of his final five holes to win his first major.
“I feel very privileged to be the one to hold this trophy” – Stenson (63). The world number 6 was the last man standing after carding an Open Championship record score of 20 under par at Royal Troon.
His nearest competitor, and the 36-hole leader, Phil Mickelson made an eagle and four birdies to shoot a fantastic round of 65. This score would have won any other day, but not when faced with the man on a mission, 40-year-old Henrik Stenson.
American JB Holmes shot a final round 69 to finish third on 6 under and fellow American, veteran Steve Stricker shot a final round 69 to finish in solo fourth at five under.
Whilst world number 4 Rory McIlroy and Englan’s Tyrrell Hatton also shot sub 60 rounds and finished on four under par. Similarly, fan favourite Sergio Garcia shot a final-round 69 with four birdies to join them at T4.
One of the best stories of the tournament, however, was young Englishman Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston who finished solo 8th after four fantastic rounds, played the tournament of his life and safely earned a name in the hearts of all golf fans.
What a tournament it has been! Henrik Stenson is your Champion Golfer of the Year!
