153rd Open: Dominant Victory by Four Strokes
Fourth Win of the Season, 17th Career Title
Career Grand Slam Within Reach With Next Year's US Open Win
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (USA) has claimed the Claret Jug.
On July 20 (local time), at Royal Portrush Golf Club (par 71, 7,381 yards) in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Scheffler shot a 3-under-par 68 in the final round of The Open, the last major tournament of the season with a total prize fund of $17 million. He secured a commanding victory by four strokes with a total of 17-under-par 267. This marks his fourth PGA Tour win of the season?following The CJ Cup Byron Nelson in May, the PGA Championship, and the Memorial Tournament in June?and his 17th career victory overall, including four major titles. The winner's prize is $3.1 million (approximately 4.3 billion KRW).
Scottie Scheffler is spreading his arms in joy immediately after winning The Open. Photo by The Open Organizing Committee
This year, Scheffler has captured two out of the four major trophies. Having previously won the Masters in 2022 and last year, if he triumphs at the US Open in June next year, he will complete the career Grand Slam by winning all four different major tournaments. He would become the seventh player in professional golf history to achieve this feat, following Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan (both USA), Gary Player (South Africa), Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods (both USA), and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland).
Scheffler started the final round with a four-shot lead and carded five birdies and one double bogey. After a birdie on the first hole (par 4), he made back-to-back birdies on holes 4 and 5, keeping his competitors at bay. He reduced his score by three strokes over the first seven holes, at one point leading the second-place group by seven strokes. Although his tee shot on the eighth hole landed in a pot bunker resulting in a double bogey, he bounced back with a birdie on the ninth hole (also par 4). Scheffler finished the front nine with a five-shot lead and effectively sealed his victory with a birdie on the 12th hole (par 5) on the back nine.
Scottie Scheffler is smiling brightly as he looks at his son immediately after winning The Open. Photo by The Open Organizing Committee
After clinching the victory, Scheffler shared the joy with his wife, son, and parents. He said, "I am grateful for everything. This is a very special feeling. I want to share this happiness with my family," he said with a big smile. He added, "My hometown fans in Texas gave me a lot of support. The R&A provided a great tournament environment," expressing his gratitude.
Harris English (USA) shot a 5-under-par 66 to finish second at 13-under-par 271. Last week's Genesis Scottish Open winner, Chris Gotterup (USA), took third at 12-under-par 272. Li Haotong (China), Wyndham Clark (USA), and Matt Fitzpatrick (England) shared fourth place at 11-under-par 273. World No. 2 Rory McIlroy and defending champion, world No. 3 Xander Schauffele (USA), tied for seventh at 10-under-par 274. Among Korean players, Im Sungjae was the only one to make the cut, finishing tied for 52nd at even-par 284.
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