It’s not who starts, but who finishes.
Sweden’s Henrik Stenson crafted an effulgent final round of 63 to capture his first major title at Royal Troon Sunday. Stenson’s record tying performance completed a bookend of brilliance with runner-up Phil Mickelson. Mickelson’s opening round of 63, demanded an early lead that he did not relinquish until Saturday. Both golfers came within one shot of breaking the record for the lowest scoring round in Major championship history.
Stenson and Mickelson started hot out of the gate and the gentlemen dueled back and forth in taking advantage of pristine conditions with pinpoint accuracy on the links style layout. Stenson’s repertoire included 10 birdies and netted him a -20 under for the tournament and tied Tiger Woods for the lowest combined score at the Open.
Mickelson, who was vying to become one of the oldest champions in history finished with a sensational tournament of -17 under.
Players from around the globe now focus on mental and physical preparations the year’s final Major at the PGA Championship beginning July 28.
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