Rookie Jacob Bridgeman carded a career-low 8-under 63 in spite of a bogey at the par-4 9th to take his first lead after any round on the PGA Tour in his 23rd start.
"I kind of struggled with my golf game the last three weeks, my mental game the last three weeks. I was in kind of a rough place. Never had struggles with my confidence until these last few weeks and I told a couple people I felt like I've been kicked in the face.
"But it's all new to me, I'm a rookie out here. I'm still pretty young, I have to remind myself that. These are all new courses that I'm facing every week. I have to learn them. I don't have the 10-plus years of experience that some of these other guys have, so it's not the easiest thing in the world.
"But I had to kind of change my mindset, reset this week, take a couple days of rest and I thought I did well today."
The American earned his Tour card for 2024 by finishing 14th on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List in 2023 and finished second in the 2022 PGA Tour University Ranking to earn Korn Ferry Tour status (Clemson University graduate).
Canada's Mackenzie Hughes recorded a bogey-free 64, his best opening-round score since a 63 at the 2021 RSM Classic, to take second place at 7-under.
"It was a great day. I felt like I was maybe a tad bit off early with my swing and kind of -- made a nice up-and-down to keep my round going early. Kind of found a bit of a rhythm with my swing kind of seven, eight holes in and started to swing it a little better, and the putter was cooperating nicely today.
"You don't know how long it's going to last for, but certainly I knew in the first kind of three or four holes that I had something nice going with the putter. At that point it was just a matter had of making sure I gave myself as many looks as possible and got the ball on the green and let the putter do the work.
"It was a really fun day, you don't get those days super often when the hole starts looking pretty big. So that was a lot of fun and I'll try and do it again tomorrow."
American Patrick Rodgers was bogey-free through sixteen holes and had shot five consecutive birdies from the 15th but bogeyed the final two for a 65 to finish in a tie for third place at 6-under alongside compatriot Andrew Novak who stayed bogey-free and eagled the par-5 12th as well as France's Martin Trainer who also eagled the 12th but made two bogeys at the par-4 3rd and par-3 13th.
Billy Horschel who finished T2 at last week's Open at Royal Troon withsrew prior to the first round and was replaced by Adam Long (T107/+1).
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Now that the dust has settled since the presentation of the Claret Jug to Xander Schauffele, it's time to highlight the elements that will linger from this year's Open at Royal Troon.
The final major championship of 2024 was a spirited contest forcing players to brave the vagaries of Mother Nature and to showcase their talents on the famed links.
When Troon last hosted the Open in 2016 – the play of winner Henrik Stenton and runner-up Phil Mickelson produced one of the finest head-to-head match-ups in the game's history. The Swede outlasted the American with a record 264 total and three-shot win.
This year's event produced scores far higher but the drama provided was no less riveting.
***
First time major wins can be ascribed to good fortune but when winning two different majors the mark of true talent emerges. Xander Schauffele is the "champion golfer of the year" and for a very good reason.
His final round 65 marked the second time he scored such a number in a fourth round of a major - the first coming this past May at Valhalla when winning his first major - the PGA Championship.
Xander's round was utterly proficient - reaching 16 greens in the regulation stroke, fashioning a bogey-free round with six birdies, including four on the more demanding inward half, with one of them on the most difficult of the championship (11th). He had no three-putts for the 72 holes and he separated himself from the five other players who started the final 18 one stroke behind leader Billy Horschel.
Schauffele's talents were always present – now the results are happening. Two majors in a year are a clear milestone of accomplishment - he becomes the 21st golfer to achieve it. He now sets his sights on defending his golf medal at the Paris Summer Olympics coming up shortly and he can still overtake Scottie Scheffler for player-of-the-year honors.
In a word - "X"cellent.
Entering this year Tiger Woods had stated he would only continue to play if he truly believed he could win. Complicating matters was the reality that the 48-year-old would play only a condensed schedule with the major events the central emphasis.
The results from this year can only be described in one word - abysmal. Played five times and missed the cut in three majors - the lone bright spot came at The Masters and even at Augusta he concluded play with rounds of 82-77.
Playing at the elite level was a reality for Woods in his peak years. That train has long left the station. Since his heroic Masters win in 2019 he has played in 14 majors. The outcome is as clear as day – 7 missed cuts, two withdrawals and not one finish within the top 20.
Tiger's penchant for spinning the news he wishes to provide is countered by the reality of the numbers he has posted. He admits he cannot practice sufficiently and he won't play in a number of additional events to gain competitive confidence.
Given those clear realities it's time to retire from the highest level and prepare for the Champions Tour which is more feasible and can provide the competitive connection he clearly seeks.
When a tiger has no teeth coupled with no claws - then the hunter becomes the hunted.
Enough.
After a crushing loss at the US Open at Pinehurst the eyes of the golf world were intent on watching how the four-time major winner – none since 2014 – would react when stepping back onto the competitive stage.
McIlroy returned at the Scottish Open to defend his 2023 win and his play from tee-to-green was solid. A balky putter denied him a higher than T4 finish.
Hopes for a contending effort at Royal Troon looked to be promising. That all unraveled with a lack luster first round 78. Rory followed-up that dismal effort with a 75 and his time at The Open was now closed.
The 35-year-old is an enigma that cannot be figured out in any logical way. When McIlroy is clicking on all cylinders his form is unquestionable. But his consistency is now the issue.
For a player who had won four majors by age 25 – the 10-year drought is becoming more and more of a question mark that the vast talent he has will never be completely fulfilled.
We must now wait nine months for Augusta to see what will happen next.
The clock is ticking.
The return to Royal Troon for the 10th Open Championship marked the re-emergence of two golf holes that have earned their respective places as among the most challenging in all of golf.
The 123-yard par-3 8th features a sliver of green perched on a dune and fiercely defended by several bunkers - one aptly named "coffin."
While the hole yielded the third most birdies it also imposed harsh realities with the second most double-bogeys and "others."
So much of elite level golf centers around power and distance - the "postage stamp" showed the best golfers in the world how necessary precision and finesse can be. No pun intended - players had to have the proper postage or have their attempts returned to sender.
"The Railway" is arguably the most intimidating long par-4 in all of championship golf and was the hardest role in relation to par for this year's Open. Originally, the hole was played as a par-5 but that has since been changed in recent Opens played at Troon.
The close proximity to the adjoining rail line adds a foreboding moment as soon as one steps onto the teeing area.
Out-of-bounds hugs the right side as close as a toddler hugs his mother's skirt on the first day of school. Numerous tee shots either went out-of-bounds or found themselves in adjacent gorse bushes or high rough. Those opting to play down the left side encountered gorse bushes waiting on that side.
During Saturday's afternoon play when rain and wind intersected in fierce fashion the high scores mounted quickly.
For the entire week the hole played to an average of 4.426. The 11th was the second hardest hole to birdie – although Schauffele produced one in his final round. In terms of the numbers – the 11th produced the most double bogeys (33) and the most "others" (49).
The world's best player coming into this year's Open opted to forego playing in the Scottish Open the week prior and headed immediately to Troon from the States.
Scheffler finished T7 but was never remotely in the conversation in securing the Claret Jug.
Past concerns about his inconsistency in putting resurfaced and the display he demonstrated on the final round was highlighted by a mind-numbing three-putt from 8 feet away at the par-4 9th that resulted in a a double-bogey and the end to any chance he had in the championship. Fittingly, Scheffler ended his play with a concluding double-bogey at the final hole.
Scheffler's tee-to-green acumen has been his clear consistent strength. But the problematic nature of his putting stroke re-entered the picture at The Open. On the flipside, green speeds at Royal Troon are considerably slower than those encountered during normal PGA Tour events.
Going forward the focus will be on how the 27-year-old is able to address this on a more permanent basis.
No question, the six titles he's won this year are impressive but an inconsistent putting stroke could prove to be the kryptonite that keeps Superman Scheffler from flying to even greater heights.
After having to pull out of this year's US Open because of a nagging foot injury, the eyes of the golf world were certainly on the two-time major winner when arriving at Troon.
Rahm's bolting from the PGA Tour to LIV in December 2023 has not produced his finest play on that circuit and the concern was whether the talented 29-year-old could return to form at this year's Open Championship.
The Spaniard started slowly on rounds of 73-70 but his form bettered in the final two rounds on scores of 72-68 which secured a T7 finish.
The top ten result was his first since last year's Open at Royal Liverpool where he tied for a runner-up finish.
Rahm ended 2023 in the third position in the world golf rankings. With his involvement with LIV - which produces no world ranking points – coupled with his substandard play in 2024 – he has fallen to 10th.
While not admitting a wrong decision to go with LIV, it's clear Rahm may have buyer's remorse. Being in peak form for the majors is something he clearly seeks and seeing him return to form at Troon may be the needed momentum builder for the remainder of this year and into 2025.
Golf at the elite level has four signifcant events - designated the majors. Only one of the four played is outside the United States -- The Open.
The championship dates back to 1860 and this year's event at Royal Troon once again reinforces the global dimension that only The Open provides.
Among its hallmarks is that the championship is only contested on a vintage links course. Forever connecting the modern playing of the game back to its original roots where land and sea intersect.
Mother nature demonstrated its involvement this year and when the rain and wind entered the scene it was necessary for all those competing to brace themselves and show the needed grit to soldier onward.
The Open is the only major in which command of links golf is essential for success. The requisite connection for power and precision are inexorably joined at the hip. Being able to marry successfully the aerial and ground games is the mark of true dexterity.
Cruel bounces can happen and the inverse is also possible where favorable outcomes can come from wayward strokes.
The reach of The Open comes from competitors arriving from all corners of the globe and those competing realize that being proclaimed "champion golfer of the year" has a currency that lives long after they have passed from the scene.
Xander Schauffele was taken with emotion in seeing the various star-studded names incluced on the famed Claret Jug.
For any golfer to have the possibility of having the word "great" placed in front of their name the wherewithal to win The Open is nothing less than mandatory.
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Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura, recently named the 2024 IAGTO Portugal Golf Resort of the Year, is undertaking a major renovation of its iconic Old Course to reinforce its status as one of Europe's premier golf destinations.
The Old Course, the second oldest in the Algarve, has seen extensive sustainable updates over the past few months. A new state-of-the-art clubhouse, set to open in November, is at the heart of these improvements.
The clubhouse will feature enhancements to the entrance, golf shop, living room, restaurant, bar, and terrace, all designed to evoke a classic and elegant ambience that aligns with the course's storied legacy.
These changes will transform the Old Course into a premium gated club, offering personalised services, VIP concierge, and world-class playing conditions.
Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura has implemented a range of on-course improvements aimed at sustainability. These include new sprinkler systems and water-resistant grass varieties to reduce water usage, hydropressor stations to cut energy consumption, and 100% electric machinery. These initiatives are part of a long-term strategy to make the Old Course one of Europe's most environmentally friendly.
Despite the extensive work, the course, which first opened in 1968, has remained open, minimising disruption for golfers. All on-course developments are expected to be completed by the end of August.
Nuno Sepúlveda, Co-CEO of DETAILS, the management platform overseeing Vilamoura's golfing assets, highlighted the strategic vision behind the renovations. "These updates align with our long-term goal of enhancing quality, sophistication, and providing an effortless guest experience. We aim to maintain high standards in golfing facilities and services, reinforcing Vilamoura's image as a top golf destination," he said.
Sepúlveda emphasised that the renovations respect the course's classic design and heritage while introducing enhancements that elevate the golfing experience. "By balancing the old with the new, we ensure that the Old Course remains a cherished destination for golfers," he added.
Greens and fairways are undergoing meticulous maintenance, with bunkers receiving new sand, and tee boxes being replanted with environmentally sustainable Bermuda grass. These changes will enhance the definition between play areas and the surrounding pine tree landscape, improving both the course's appearance and quality.
Off the course, the driving range is being upgraded with modern technology to facilitate various training sessions and experiences, catering to golfers of all levels.
The comprehensive renovations at Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura promise to uphold the Old Course's reputation while setting new standards for sustainability and excellence in the golfing world.
***
For more information on Dom Pedro Golf Vilamoura and the Old Course, you can visit the website here.
The Open Championship is a celebration of the game's original roots. The core of the challenge intersects with land, sea and Mother Nature.
The mental and physical dimensions are also tested.
Only the finest of players have captured the illustrious Claret Jug and only the most accomplished have done so multiple times.
The names listed are the author's opinion but those listed are the men who comprise records of consistency and overall impact.
No list will ever satisfy all and some may wonder why other names were either not listed properly or even mentioned at all.
To have the word "great" placed before your name it is critical to have demonstrated success at the game's oldest and global of major championships.
The men listed below are deserving of such honor and praise.
***
Tom Watson had a conversion in his thinking when first playing links golf. Initially he did not understand or appreciate it. That changed in short order.
His first Open title came in 1975 in a playoff against Australian Jack Newton.
Watson won The Open a total of five times – and nearly tied the record of six wins by Harry Vardon. In 2009, at the remarkable age of 59, Tom's approach to the final hole at Turnberry took an uncharacteristic bounce off the back of the green and he could not two-putt to nail down the title - losing in an aggregate playoff to Stewart Cink.
A true lover of the links and able to fashion remarkable rounds no matter the weather conditions.
Most memorable Open shot: Birdie putt in final round against Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977 at the par-3 15th hole. The putt kept Watson in the hunt and he would finish off the victory with a superb 7-iron approach to the 18th for a concluding short birdie putt.
The gap between No. 1 and No. 2 is narrower than many might imagine. The determining factor in Watson's favor is his total number of wins and his epic triumph over the Golden Bear in their famed Turnberry "duel in the sun" encounter.
However, no player has had the consistency of Jack Nicklaus in Open Champion ship history.
Between 1963-1980, Nicklaus won three times, 7 times runner-up, 16 top five and 18 top ten finishes. His worst placement in that span - T12 in 1965, with no missed cuts.
Most memorable Open shot: In his final appearance in 2005, Nicklaus birdied the 18th hole at The Old Course at St. Andrews. The appreciative gallery was both happy and sad to see the last time Jack would play in The Open.
Tiger Woods made his mark in winning the 2000 Open Championship at The Old Course at St. Andrews and did so in spectacular fashion with an 8-shot winning margin. During that event, Woods successfully negotiated the famed links in not once having to play from any of the bunkers there.
With the win he also became the youngest golfer at age 24 to complete the career Grand Slam.
Tiger would again capture The Open at The Old Course in 2005 and matched the accomplishment Nicklaus had achieved in 1970 and 1978.
Among his finest shotmaking clinics was his win in 2006 at Royal Liverpool. Woods only used his driver once during the 72-holes played.
Most memorable Open shot: Playing the par-4 14th in the second round at Royal Liverpool in 2005 - Woods hit a 2-iron off the tee for placement and then proceeded to hole a 4-iron approach from 215 yards into the cup.
The resulting eagle, as it turned out, was instrumental in giving him a two-shot winning margin and possession of the Claret Jug.
Came onto the scene as a 19-year-old and although he did not win the 1976 Open, it was the start of a blossoming career.
The talented Spaniard won his first Open in 1979 at Royal Lytham & St. Anne's and much of the attention centered on his wayward driving of the ball. In one specific instance he actually played from the adjoining car park.
The most impactful of his wins came five years later at The Old Course at St. Andrews. Ballesteros battled against the two-time defending champion Tom Watson and the back-and-forth tussle did not conclude until Seve carded a final birdie at the 18th.
The sheer joy in the moment had Ballesteros fist pumping the air several times with a smile that reached the heavens.
Four years later in 1988, Seve would win again at Royal Lytham. This time with a final round 65.
Most memorable Open shot: The final birdie at the closing hole in the 1984 Open at St. Andrews.
Flies completely under the radar but the talented Australian is worthy of the placement.
Captured the Claret Jug no less than five times in his Open Championship career.
Between 1951-71, along with the five victories were 18 top-ten finishes and three times as runner-up.
His first win came at Royal Birkdale in 1954 and his final would come at the same host venue in 1965. During the second win Thomson beat back the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, among others.
Most memorable Open shot: Thomson closed out his final win in 1965 with a splendid 2nd shot at the par-5 closing hole. A final birdie provided the most satisfying of triumphs and a return of the Claret Jug to Australia.
***
• Nick Faldo (3 wins; 1987,1990 and 1992)
• Bobby Locke (4 wins; 1949, 1950, 1952 and 1957)
• Greg Norman (2 wins; 1986 and 1993)
• Arnold Palmer (2 wins; 1961 and 1962)
• Gary Player (3 wins: 1959, 1968 and 1974)
• Lee Trevino (2 wins; 1971 and 1972)
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When booking a golf trip, many of us turn to the tried and tested resorts and courses in the Algarve, Costa del Sol, Belek and Murcia. If we do venture over the coast to France, we will most likely end up just over the Channel at Le Touquet or Hardelot, the go-to French courses for English golfers.
For adventurous and cultured golfers who are looking for an alternative to the hustle and bustle of the most popular destinations, there is somewhere quite special located in Southwest France, just North of Biarritz, barely known of, or even considered by most travelling golfers.
Moliets-et-Maa is a small coastal village located in the Landes area in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France and provides the perfect base to access the finest courses in the area.
Golf Today was invited to Moliets by Summer France to experience the destination and to sample three of the leading golf courses in the area, Golf de Moliets, Golf d’Hossegar and Golf de Seignosse.
The town of Moliets is a quaint, sleepy seaside French village nestled in acres of pine forests, with a small-town community and a handful of high-quality restaurants.
The destination offers holidaymakers a selection of tasteful and well-equipped, chalet-style private villas, scattered throughout the forest area, which is totally unspoiled or commercialised by tourism. The primary mode of transport in the area is bicycle and there is plenty of bike hire on site with the choice of manual or electric bike.
Although not an obvious golf destination, one famous architect, named Robert Trent-Jones Junior, was able to recognise the opportunity to turn this idyllic terrain into an 18-hole championship course, and created Golf de Moliets, a beautiful, challenging golf course, that ebbs and flows amongst the pine forest and across the breathtaking natural sand dunes.
The course features an 18-hole layout (Par 72) and a 9-hole layout (Par 31), both of which showcase the designer’s signature strategic bunkering and large, contoured greens. The 18-hole course stretches out to over 6,378 meters (6,973 yards) from the back tees, making it a strong test for even the best golfers, with a great selection of tactically demanding holes.
The course is built on perfect golf terrain and features water hazards, strategically placed bunkers, and significant elevation changes. There is also a unique section of coastal holes running through immense sand dunes, which add a new dimension to the round by bringing the coastal wind into play, demanding accuracy and thoughtful shot selection.
The facilities include a welcoming clubhouse with a choice of local and international cuisine, a well-maintained driving range and a 9-hole academy course.
Accessibility
Visitors are very welcome and tee times can be booked online.
For those who are unfamiliar with Hossegor, this delightful French town is renowned for its world-class surf breaks, particularly around La Gravière, which hosts major surfing competitions like the Quiksilver Pro France. The town also boasts beautiful beaches, a vibrant cultural scene, and a mix of traditional and modern architecture. It continues to attract tourists for both its natural beauty and its surfing culture.
France is known for having a number of prestigious golf clubs that pride themselves on giving their members a course to be proud of. Examples of Morefontaine, Fontaine Bleu and Vidauban are the most famous, yet unknown and undiscovered by most is Golf d’Hossegar, a parkland course, which effortlessly winds its way around the town of Hossegor.
Built in 1927, Golf d'Hossegar is a classic parkland course, a par 71, stretching to 6,170 meters (6,750 yards) from the back tees. This delightful members club offers the transient golfer a unique opportunity to experience a French golf course of the highest quality.
The course was designed by John Stanton Fleming Morrison, a British golf course architect who produced several courses throughout Europe. Morrison collaborated with Arnaud Massy, a famous French professional golfer to create a layout that rarely repeats itself and offers variety and interest on every hole.
Known for its exceptional conditioning, the course doesn’t disappoint, with manicured fairways, sculpted bunkering, superior putting surfaces and pristine tee boxes. It really is an undiscovered delight for most golfers and is simply too good to ignore.
Accessibility
Golf d’Hossegar is open to visitors and we suggest contacting the club in advance by emailing reservation@golfhossegor.fr
Less than 10 kilometres from Hossegar lies another true delight at Golf de Seignosse. This is a highly regarded course in France and regularly features within the top 10 courses in the country.
Nestled in the heart of the Landes forest and near the Atlantic coast, Golf de Seignosse is a gem for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and beauty.
Designed by renowned American architect Robert von Hagge, it is recognised for its intricate design and natural integration with the surrounding landscape. Each hole oozes quality and character, as the manicured and defined fairways weave through the forest.
The course, which opened in 1989, spans 18 holes and stretches over 6,106 meters (6,678 yards) from the back tees, offering a par 72 layout. One of the standout holes at Golf de Seignosse, and probably not one you'd want to face if you're relying on a birdie down the last, is the 18th.
Measuring 666m meters (728 yards) off the tips, the rare par 6 makes for a memorable, if not unorthodox finish to the round — and certainly a talking point in the clubhouse.
All-in-all, Golf de Seignosse is a delight for golf connoisseurs looking to combine natural beauty with technical brilliance and will last in the memories long after the round.
Accessibility
Golf de Seignosse is easily accessible, located near the town of Seignosse, it's conveniently close to Hossegor and Biarritz, making it accessible for both locals and tourists.
Booking a tee time is straightforward, with options available online or via phone. The course is popular, so booking in advance is recommended.
Accommodation
Summer France offers eight villa and holiday apartment complexes in Moliets, with Villas La Clairière aux Chevreuils being its premium setting. The villas have between three to five bedrooms, with the larger villas sleeping up to 12 people, and are designed to blend in with the woodland and natural surroundings. They are ideally situated a short cycle (two km) from the main beaches and resort centre, and 800m from Golf de Moliets.
A week stay at Villas la Clairière aux Chevreuils, departing 30 June 2024 costs from £1,455 / £121 pp based on 12 sharing a premium villa, including private parking and a welcome hamper.
A week stay at Villas la Clairière aux Chevreuils, departing 10 October 2024 costs from £776 / £65 pp based on 12 sharing a premium villa, including private parking and a welcome hamper.
Additional Booking Information
When clients book, Summer France offers the possibility of a week of unlimited golf at Moliets for £327 (for all summer dates) or with a round at Seignosse and Hossegor for £510.
Summer France also offers the possibility to pre-book surf lessons or surf rentals, with their partner Ecole du Surf du Golf. Lessons take place on the lovely, quieter, beach closest to the villas. Guests can also enjoy bike/e-bike hire, with delivery of the bikes to the villa.
Private pilates or yoga in the villa can be organised either pre-arrival or once on site. Information can be provided upon request on yoga/pilates lessons, nature walks, massages and beauty treatments on offer in the village and surrounding areas. More activities include horse riding in Messanges or stand-up paddle on the nearby lake (Azur).
For families, a visit to Adrenalin Park (500m from the villas) is fun and a visit to the spa-pool, Sourceo at Dax (30 min drive), which offers two-hour entry to indoor/outdoor pools with water jets plus saunas, hammam and jacuzzis.
Recommended Resturaunts
For further enquiries and to discuss availability, contact Summer France (+44(0) 203 475 4756 , www.summerfrance.co.uk)
For the first time since 1982 American golfers have won all four of the year’s majors. (Only three were played in the Covid-plagued season of 2020.) In winning the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon on Sunday, Xander Schauffele provided an echo of sorts to what had happened 42 years ago. Then Tom Watson had won two of the four, including the Open over this Ayrshire links. Schauffele won the USPGA Championship in May with the lowest-ever total in major championship history and he collected his second major with a brilliant final round of 65, six under par, including a scarcely credible back nine of 31.
Schauffele, who is 30, won by two shots from Justin Rose and Billy Horschel. Rose, the 2013 US Open champion who turns 44 next week, had made it through final qualifying at Burnham & Berrow to take his place in the field. Playing with Schauffele on Sunday, the fundamental difference perhaps came down to the fact that on 13 and 14 the American made medium-range birdie putts while similar efforts from Rose both missed by millimetres. “I walked off the course and it hit me hard, because I was so strong out there,” said Rose. Referencing those putts, he added: “I did a lot of the hard things really well – just a critical moment midway through the back nine momentum-wise.” For his part, the new champion noted: “I’ve embraced this sort of SoCal laid-back kid but there’s obviously a fire burning deep within or I wouldn’t have a couple of majors sitting by my side.” And he wants the other two to complete the Grand Slam. “It’s something I’ve always wanted. If you don’t see yourself doing it, you’re never going to.” Before then he will be off to Paris to defend his Olympic title next month.
The fact that the championship concluded in fairly decent weather rather obscured what it had been like 24 hours previously. How bad was it? Really bad. Take it from the world No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, who called the homeward stretch “the hardest nine holes I’ll ever play”. For example: “I probably don’t often hit a driver and a 3-wood really solid on a par-four and don’t get there in two, which is what happened at 15.” By then several distinguished names weren’t around to trouble the scorers. If at the start of the week you had been asked what Bryson DeChambeau, Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Åberg would have in common, you might have said they would all hold the lead at some point. The actual answer was that they all missed the cut on nine over par. That was two shots better than Rory McIlroy (rounds of 78-75), whose slim hopes of making it disappeared on Friday when he dropped six shots in four holes from the 3rd. Watching on TV (if he was), it likely would not have escaped McIlroy’s notice that Schauffele is the first player since the Irishman in 2014 to win the Open and the PGA in the same year.
Less shockingly, Tiger Woods was also on his way home after shooting 79-77. His week had begun with some unsolicited advice from Colin Montgomerie that it really was time for him to pack it in. Having firmly put Monty in his place by pointing out that he had never won the Open (or any major, come to that) and therefore wasn’t in position to decline any invitation, Woods later emphatically confirmed he would “definitely” be at Portrush next July. For sure he is past his best. But his best was the best any of us have seen. Surely he should be left alone to decide when it’s time to call time.
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Xander Schauffele says his competitive fire burns “brighter than ever” and has set his sights on joining golf’s most exclusive club following his Open triumph at Royal Troon.
A little over two months after lifting the Wanamaker Trophy at Valhalla following his major breakthrough in the US PGA Championship, Schauffele was holding the Claret Jug aloft to get halfway to a career grand slam.
It is a feat so difficult that only five men in history – Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods – have managed it, while Rory McIlroy (Masters), Jordan Spieth (US PGA) and Phil Mickelson (US Open) are the only current players missing one of the four major titles required.
Yet Schauffele’s results in this year’s majors alone suggest the 30-year-old American is well equipped to complete the career slam, having finished eighth in the Masters and seventh in the US Open either side of his US PGA victory.
Schauffele can also boast three other top 10s in the Masters – including a tie for second behind Woods at Augusta National in 2019 – while he has finished no worse than 14th in his last eight US Open starts.
“Before I had any majors it’s something I’ve always wanted,” Schauffele, who carded a flawless closing 65 on Sunday to finish two shots ahead of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel, said when asked about completing the grand slam.
“I’m one step closer and still have a long way to go. But if you don’t see yourself doing it, you’re never going to do it.
“There’s still a lot of things that I’d like to do in my career, and this is a very big leap towards that. The fire is still burning, maybe brighter than ever.
“Everyone in my family knows how competitive I am. I may not be the guy running around fist pumping, but that’s just who I am. I kind of know how I need to be to perform at a high level.
“The same way I don’t get really angry, I also don’t let myself get too over the moon because to me it’s the same thing.
“If I’m sitting there snapping a club, that would be the same as me running around fist pumping. It would take too long for me to adjust before my next shot to hit a good one.
“I’ve kind of embraced this sort of So-Cal (Southern California), laid-back kid, but there’s obviously a fire burning deep within, or you wouldn’t have a couple majors sitting by your side.”
Schauffele also had his family at his side in Troon and gave the honour of deciding what to drink first out of the Claret Jug to his father Stefan, his long-time coach who had been in Hawaii when his son won the US PGA title.
“I decided to take golf seriously when I was about, I don’t know, 13 maybe,” Schauffele recalled.
“I sat down with my dad when I was maybe 15 and 16 and we started to really hash out some goals and dreams of what I’d like to do. I was on the couch with my dad a lot watching other guys win majors and win big tournaments.
“My dad and I, we’ve definitely talked about this. We’ve watched that walk up 18 pretty much every year until I’ve played in The Open. It’s definitely something that we’ve both dreamt of.”
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Troon, Scotland. There are four major championships in professional golf and while a number of talented golfers at the elite level may break through and capture one of them the wherewithal to secure a second is reserved only for the most talented.
Xander Schauffele broke through the major championship barrier when winning the PGA Championship this past May. At the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland, the San Diego native pushed his credentials even higher securing the Claret Jug and becoming the "champion golfer of the year."
For the talented player who had never won a major prior to 2024 - he has now won two such events. In addition, Schauffele becomes the 21st golfer to have won two major championships in a calendar year - the last to do it was Brooks Koepka in 2018. And he becomes just the sixth golfer to have won the PGA Championship and The Open in the same year – joining Walter Hagen, Nick Price, Tiger Woods, Padraig Harrington and Rory McIlroy.
Schauffele started the final round one shot behind leader Billy Horschel. He then scored a final round of six-under-par 65 which provided a two-shot winning margin over Horschel and Englishman Justin Rose. His round was the lowest of the day by two shots and he finished the event with a 275 total.
Xander's final round was a superlative effort – one with no blemishes on the card. As the leading contenders reached the final nine holes it was his stellar play that broke away from the rest. The momentum started when birdieing the most difficult hole on the course at the par-4 11th. Others followed at 13, 15 and 16. Two airtight pars at the 17th and 18th sealed the triumph.
How good was Schauffele's play over the more demanding inward half of holes at Royal Troon? The field scoring average was plus two. Xander bettered that by six strokes.
Consider that in 2018 Schauffele ranked 64th in his approach play to the green. In 2024 he has now risen to 5th. Having more looks at birdie opportunities has placed him in better position to max out potential low rounds. His overall swing speed has also increased to deal with the emphasis on length and his talent with the putter has also been improved.
Breaking through the major-less barrier had long been an issue for Schauffele. Close finishes had happened previously (seven top-five finishes but with no success). This year has clearly elevated his standing in the sport.
His play at Valhalla during the PGA Championship also featured a closing round of 65 - mirroring what he did at Troon. That feat matched the two final round 65s scored by Jack Nicklaus when winning the 1967 US Open and 1986 Masters respectively.
The final round had no fewer than 23 players within six shots of the lead and with five, including Schauffele, just one shot behind Horschel. Fortunately, final round weather cooperated when compared to Saturday's miserable afternoon conditions.
Schauffele was paired with Rose and the two demonstrated shotmaking prowess throughout the round. Rose, the 2013 US Open winner was looking to break the record for the longest span between majors with a win.
Rose needed to qualify for The Open this year and his 67 in the final round was ample proof the 43-year-old still has game to compete at the highest of levels.
While Schauffele had not won a major prior to this year his overall play had produced seven wins on the PGA Tour coming into 2024. His talents also produced a gold medal in golf at the 2022 Summer Olympics in Japan. And his familiarity with links golf was bolstered with a 2022 triumph at the Scottish Open.
The win at Troon now elevates Schauffele to the second slot in the world golf rankings - trailing only leader Scottie Scheffler.
He will also be part of the four-man USA contingent (joining Scheffler, Collin Morikawa and Wyndham Clark) competing in the men's golf competition at the Paris Summer Olympic games (August 1-4).
Consistency has been the hallmark for Schauffele and doing so in the majors this year was clearly evident as he was the only golfer to finish in the top ten in all of them. The USA dominance was front and center at the four majors with each won by Americans (Scheffler at The Masters and Bryson DeChambeau at the US Open). That is the first time that has happened since 1982. The winning streak for American golfers in the major events now stretches to seven (7).
For Schauffele his success came through preparation prior to arriving at Troon. He played in the Scottish Open the week prior where he finished T15. He stressed his arrival from the States was beneficial in getting acclimated to the conditions he would face with links golf.
"It's essential - just getting used to the time zone change in trying to get acclimated is a no-brainer. Then there's the wind fluctuations and the green speeds are slower," said Schauffele. "It's a completely different style of golf. So many different variables come into play."
The most important personal dimension for Schauffele was the calmness demonstrated at the most stressful moments in the championship.
"Winning at Valhalla gave me confidence in knowing I had done this before and could do so again. "I felt like I really controlled it today – all those tough losses in the past - I reeled myself in - so that did not happen. My mindset was I left it all out there."
How would Schauffele asses his play in the final round?
"At the very tip top."
Links golf harkens to the place and time where the sport originated. This year's Open Championship demanded of its participants to adjust as called upon to successfully handle the changing circumstances that were dictated.
Schauffele rightly celebrated as his wife, parents and extended family were on hand to share in his joy. To his credit, Schauffele saluted his long-time caddie Austin Kaiser for the steadiness provided and the bond the two have with one another dating back to the time when they intersected with one another at San Diego State University.
Major championships determine one's legacy in golf. Xander Schauffele waited quite some time to secure his first major win. With two in a single year the potential for more such wins is within reach.
"X" indeed marks the spot where even more buried treasure can be unearthed by this determined player.
Will that happen?
We shall see.
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Xander Schauffele has won the 152nd Open at Royal Troon with a final round 65 for a 9-under, 275 total.
Justin Rose and Billy Horschel tied for second place at 7-under, Thriston Lawrence came fourth at 6-under and Russell Henley finished fifth at 5-under.
Schauffele moves up one place to number 2, Rose up to 34 from 67, Horschel to 33 from 62, Lawrence to 71 from 98 and Henley up eight places to 12.
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