Xander Schauffele secured his second major championship of 2024 by winning the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, finishing with a final-round 65 to beat Justin Rose and Billy Horschel by two strokes. According to the official leaderboard, Schauffele’s nine-under-par total cemented his place in history, marking the first time an American has won both the PGA Championship and The Open in the same year since Tiger Woods in 2000.
A Dominant Final Round at Royal Troon
Schauffele began the final day one stroke behind leader Billy Horschel. By the time he reached the back nine, the 30-year-old had shifted momentum, recording four birdies on the final nine holes to post a bogey-free 65. The official tournament report highlights that his clinical precision under pressure—particularly on the challenging par-4 14th hole—allowed him to pull away from a crowded leaderboard.
While Schauffele surged, his closest competitors struggled to match his pace. Justin Rose, seeking his second major title, finished at seven-under-par. Billy Horschel, who entered the final round in the lead, carded a 68 to finish in a tie for second alongside Rose. This victory follows Schauffele’s breakthrough win at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, signaling a shift in the hierarchy of professional golf.
Historical Context of the 2024 Season
Schauffele’s performance at the 152nd Open places him in rare company. Before this victory, only a handful of players had captured two majors in a single calendar year. By securing the Claret Jug at Royal Troon, Schauffele joined a list that includes legends like Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, and Tiger Woods.
According to PGA Tour statistics, Schauffele has maintained a high level of consistency throughout the 2024 season, frequently appearing in the top ten of major championships. This win moves him to the top tier of the Official World Golf Ranking, solidifying his status as the most consistent player on the circuit this year.
Key Statistics from the 152nd Open
The tournament was defined by difficult weather conditions and the traditional links-style challenges of Royal Troon. The following data points summarize the final leaderboard:
| Player | Final Score | To Par |
|---|---|---|
| Xander Schauffele | 275 | -9 |
| Justin Rose | 277 | -7 |
| Billy Horschel | 277 | -7 |
| Thriston Lawrence | 278 | -6 |
| Russell Henley | 279 | -5 |
Source: The Open Official Results
Looking Ahead
The victory at Royal Troon marks the conclusion of the 2024 major championship season. For Schauffele, the win serves as a validation of his tactical approach to links golf, which demands creativity and patience. With two majors now in his trophy cabinet, the focus for the remainder of the season shifts to the FedEx Cup Playoffs. The momentum generated by this win positions him as the primary challenger to Scottie Scheffler for the Player of the Year honors, as the tour moves toward the final events of the summer.
Related reading