American golfer Xander Schauffele achieved a lifelong dream with an ice-cool two-shot victory at the British Open on Sunday, marking his second major title. The 30-year-old Olympic champion, who also claimed this year’s PGA Championship, ended his long wait for a major crown with a flawless performance at Royal Troon.
“Oh man… it’s been quite a journey,” Schauffele said during the trophy presentation on the 18th green after being handed the Claret Jug. “It took me forever just to win one and to have two now is something else. I feel very honored hearing my name called with Open champion right after it. It’s something I have dreamed of for a very long time.”
The world number three began the final day one shot off the pace but produced a bogey-free round, closing with a superb six-under 65 at a blustery Royal Troon. Schauffele, known for his laid-back and unflappable approach, reeled off four birdies on the back nine to break clear of a tightly-bunched leaderboard, posting a winning total of nine-under 275.
“I’ve always dreamed of doing it,” said the Californian. “That walk up 18 truly is really one of the coolest feelings I’ve ever had in my life. I got chills walking down 18 and I quickly had to zap myself back into focus because the tournament wasn’t over yet.”
Schauffele’s performance was described as the best round he had ever played. Starting the day just one shot off the lead, the San Diego native managed to reel off four birdies on the back nine, moving clear and finishing two shots ahead of fellow American Billy Horschel and England’s Justin Rose.
This victory comes after Schauffele’s historic win at the PGA Championship, where he posted the lowest score in major championship history with a 21-under aggregate. He became the first player to win multiple majors in the same year since Brooks Koepka achieved the feat in 2018 with victories at the US Open and PGA Championship.
“This week was hard,” Schauffele admitted, referring to the brutal weather conditions. “It was very difficult. I think winning the first major helped me a lot today on the back nine. 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.”
After rolling in a birdie at the par-three 14th, Schauffele sensed that victory was within reach. When he birdied the par-five 16th, after pitching to four feet from below the front right of the green, he extended his lead to three shots, essentially sealing the championship.
“I felt like I limited the mistakes pretty well,” Schauffele said. “I was lucky to only have one really hard round in the wind and rain and I managed that day better than I ever thought I could.”
Schauffele’s journey to his second major title is a testament to his perseverance and skill. As he celebrated with the Claret Jug, the golf world acknowledged the rise of a new star. With his calm demeanor and exceptional talent, Schauffele has firmly established himself as a dominant force in the sport.