In Henrik Stenson’s twelfth attempt to etch his name in PGA Tour history and bring home the Claret Jug, he managed to do it in record-breaking fashion.
Over the course of the last four days, Stenson posted a total score of 264. That 264 is the lowest total score in the Open Championship’s history. Stenson also posted every single round in 60’s, making him the first to do so at Royal Troon, and if that wasn’t enough, the 40-year-old’s win marks Sweden’s first major championship.
While it was a historical day for Stenson, it was a melancholy Sunday for the lefty, Phil Mickelson. Mickelson posted his best score for a final round of a major championship, but it wasn’t enough to surmount a comeback against Stenson.
Mickelson led through the first 36 holes and battled Stenson throughout the third day, but Stenson held the lead through 54 of the 72 holes and was reluctant to give it back. Mickelson’s runner-up finish at the Open gives him his 11th runner-up finish for a major in his career; second only to Jack Nicklaus with 19.
Nonetheless, Stenson and Mickelson left the golf world with a matchup that will not be forgotten anytime soon. To finish the event both Stenson and Mickelson were at least 11 strokes in front of their nearest competitor, which was J.B. Holmes at six-under for the event.
Finishing tied for fourth was Steve Stricker at five-under and behind him was Rory McIlroy, Tyrell Hatton and Sergio Garcia. McIlroy saved his best round for yesterday posting a four-under 67, which was enough to get him to a tie for fifth.
One behind them was a man known to few by his real name, and to many as “Beef.” Andrew “Beef” Johnston came in eighth place at three-under after posting a two-over-par final round, after staying under par the entire event. Johnston is a character though and he’ll most certainly be a staple to the PGA Tour in the next year or two.
Next week, the PGA Tour comes back to North America but is making a stop in “The Great White North.” For those confused, the RBC Canadian Open will be hosted in Oakville, Ontario, Canada at the Glen Abbey Golf Club.
But until then, we’ll leave you on the lighter side of the golf world.
