Justin Rose pinpoints where ‘momentum shifted’ in Open duel with ‘cold’ Xander Schauffele
Rose finished second behind a supreme Schauffele, who shot a bogey-free 65 to win the Claret Jug
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Justin Rose said he was beaten by a “cold competitor” in Xander Schauffele as his bid to end England’s wait for first Open champion since 1992 slipped away at Troon.
Rose led early in the final round after starting the day a shot behind overnight leader Billy Horschel, but Schauffele shot a flawless 65 to lift the Claret Jug.
The American finished two shots clear of his playing partner Rose, who had a clear view of his stunning performance over the back nine.
The 43-year-old admitted he had chances, however, after dropping his first shot of the day at the 12th and then watching birdie putts slip by at 13 and 14.
That was where Schauffele put his foot down, as the PGA Championship winner surged clear with birdies at 11, 13 and 14 to take charge of the leaderboard.
Rose, who shot a 68, reflected that he was happy with his efforts as he matched his best finish at the Open with a share of second place along with Horschel.
"Obviously I tried to enjoy the walk down 18 with [caddie] Fooch because we did an incredible job out there,” Rose told Sky Sports afterwards.
"I felt like we played unbelievable golf. But Xander, every credit to him... he made it look so easy on the back nine.
"He’s a cold, cold competitor, but I couldn’t be more proud of myself to be honest with the way I competed today.
“There was just one little spell in the round where there were putts on 12, 13 and 14 that didn’t drop and that’s where the momentum shifted to Xander.
“That putt on 18, to finish strong, I knew it was for second place and I think I at least deserved that for the week.
“It’s ok to be beaten by someone who shoots 31 on the back nine but I gave that everything.”
Schauffele won his first major title at the PGA Championship in Valhalla in May and the American said the experience helped him as he closed out victory on the Ayrshire links.
“It means a lot. It’s something all of us play for, and it really is a dream come true to be holding this. It hasn’t sunk in yet, my brain is still grinding trying to get through the holes. I can’t wait to sit back and have a moment with the Claret Jug.
“I thought [the PGA Championship win] would help me, and it actually did. I had this sense of calm that I didn’t have at the PGA. For some reason, I felt calm and collected. My caddy said he was about to puke on the 18th tee! I just kept moving along.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments