Xander Schauffele wins this year's edition of the British Open at Royal Troon and thereby takes his second major victory for the year.
It's an honor. To hear one's name after Open winners is something I've dreamed about for a long time, says the American in his victory speech.
After making the best round in the field on Sunday, Schauffele finished at nine under par, two strokes ahead of the second-placed Justin Rose and Billy Horschel at seven under par.
In the beginning of the round, it looked like Thriston Lawrence, Justin Rose, and Billy Horschel would compete for the victory when all went to six under par early. But behind them, world number three Xander Schauffele, who also won the PGA Championship in May, decided to get involved.
Checked Stenson
On the last nine holes, Schauffele shifted gears, which no one else possessed. After birdies on holes 11, 13, 14, and 16, he had pulled away and given himself a three-stroke lead.
Schauffele went in at six under par for the day, the best result anyone achieved on Sunday, and was bogey-free.
He told in his victory speech that he motivated himself before the tournament by watching highlights from Troon 2016, when Henrik Stenson won the British Open in a battle with Phil Mickelson.
I guess it paid off, says Schauffele.
Teammate and second-placed Justin Rose finished with a birdie on hole 18, but it wasn't enough to catch up with the American.
Norén satisfied
Alex Norén, the only Swedish player to clear the qualifying limit, finished in a tie for 13th place at one over par. He concluded the tournament by shooting under par on Sunday.
I'm satisfied overall, I think. I had a bit of trouble with putting and the speed on the greens. I do some stupid thing every round, but overall, I'm incredibly satisfied with my game, he says in Viaplay's broadcast.
Norén also says that he got to ride a bit on the "Ludde-effect" regarding public support during the week.
I don't think I've ever seen so many Swedes here. It must have been a record. It's incredibly wonderful.
In an interview after the final round, Norén gets a question about whether he has become better with age.
I learn, and I try. I haven't slowed down. I can become better. I'm only 42, so yes, he says.
