The Open Championship 2016 Review

Henrick Stenson, The Open Championship 2016

Another year of the illustrious Open Championships is over, and Henrik Stenson has taken home the spoils after heavy competition with Phil Mickelson in the final round of the tournament.

By birdieing four of his last five holes, the Swede was able to collect his first major win with a record score of 20 under par at Royal Troon. Runner up Mickelson was able to achieve an eagle and four birdies in a round of 65 at 17 under par, whereas third-placed JB Holmes finished third on six under par.

How did Stenson do it?

While Stenson may not have had the big-name appeal of Rory McIlroy or Jordan Spieth, his performance at this year’s Open was truly legendary and set a blockbuster new record.

Beginning the day a shot ahead on 12 under, Stenson lost the lead at the end of the first hole, bogeying as Mickleson birdied. However, a great response saw Stenson knock in five birdies over the next seven holes to nip ahead of his rival.

It all came down to the last hole after both players managed birdies on the 16th and Mickelson completed a putt on the 17th to stay only two behind on the last hole.

The Open concluded in a thrilling finale when Mickelson left his approach to the 18th 30 feet short of the cup. Stenson took advantage and made a 20-foot birdie putt to give him an 8-under 63, matching a record set by Johnny Miller for the lowest closing round by a major champion.

Could it be the greatest final round ever?

A final round score of 65 is usually enough to wrap up a victory, but not for Phil Mickelson this week, who was left as the loser despite putting in a magnificent performance. His bogey-free round would have won all but two Open Championships from the last century, which truly emphasises how incredible Stenson’s performance really was.

As well as setting a new record for a major, the Swede equalled Jason Day’s total for the lowest under-par set at a PGA Championship event. It’s easy to wonder whether we’ve seen the best ever final round of an Open.

How did the others fare?

Despite being one of the favourites, Rory McIlroy finished in fifth place and saved his best golf for the late in the tournament, finishing the final round with a score of 67 after hitting 69,71 and 73 in the first three. Even though the Northern Irishman could not challenge for the championship, it was a promising performance overall that should give him some momentum for the rest of the year.

Jordan Spieth had a disappointing Open, finishing tied for 30th at two over par overall. It was a similar story for 2011 winner Darren Clarke, who ended up with the same score.

However, the event will be long remembered for its historic final round, where two of the world’s best put on a thrilling show.