Xander Schauffele wins The Open

A super Sunday

For so long on Sunday, the lead of The 152nd Open changed hands left and right. 

Horschel started with a one-shot advantage over six players, but by the time he reached the 1st green, it had evaporated. Rose, playing alongside Schauffele, birdied the 2nd to join Horschel on four-under-par.

The American replied with a birdie of his own on 1 to wrestle it straight back in a five-minute period that set the tone for the day.

Rose also birdied the 4th and the locals responded, cheering the 1998 Silver Medal winner on in his quest to become the first English Champion in 32 years. Rose came through Final Qualifying just to be at Royal Troon and fist-pumped his way through the first four holes, his face a picture of grit and determination.

Then came Thriston Lawrence. The South African shot 65 on Saturday to move into contention and was buoyant about his final-day chances.

He birdied 3, 4, 7 and 9 to reach the turn in just 32 strokes – playing with a serenity that defied the occasion.

Up ahead, Shane Lowry also made a run. The Irishman started the day three off the lead, but four birdies in five holes, including one at the Postage Stamp, had Royal Troon swooning.

At one stage, there were seven players within one shot of the lead. At another, four players shared it. 

A three-way fight

But as the round progressed, three separated from the pack. Scottie Scheffler dropped out of contention with a double-bogey on 9, while Horschel and Russell Henley – another who started the day one back – struggled to live with the pace Lawrence set.