Henrik Stenson beat Phil Mickelson on Sunday at Royal Troon to capture the 145th British Open Championship. It was the 40 year-old Swede’s first major title.
The winner of the gold medal and the Champion Golfer of the Year… #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/v7BAPIxiXN
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2016
In Sunday’s final round, Stenson was almost robotic, and tied the course record at Troon with a 63 (which was ironically set by Mickelson just 3 days prior).
Live look at Henrik Stenson. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/OuB8xVLrZC
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) July 17, 2016
For the championship, Stenson ended up with a mind blowing 20-under par. Mickelson himself was no slouch as the 46 year-old lefty carded a 6-under 65, and ended up at 17-under.
Phil Mickelson finished in 2nd (ELEVEN shots ahead of third place). pic.twitter.com/eyM6DRf5Um
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 17, 2016
The spread between Stenson-Mickelson and the rest of the field was wild.
-20 Stenson
-19
-18
-17 Phil
-16
-15
-14
-13
-12
-11
-10
-9
-8
-7
-6 J.B. HolmesWow. pic.twitter.com/KhTuu10w4h
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 17, 2016
In (most) any other year, Phil is walking away with his second Jug.
So many stats from today. How bout this 1 from my man @JustinRayGC: Phil's score today would've won 141 of the previous 145 Open's #theopen
— Jimmy Roberts (@JimmyRobertsNBC) July 17, 2016
But Stenson was simply lights out historic.
☑️ Major scoring record (264)
☑️ Open scoring record (-20)
☑️ Tied lowest Major round (63)☑️ First Major pic.twitter.com/zmNUQifsdZ
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 17, 2016
And he now becomes immortal.
Welcome to immortality @henrikstenson. pic.twitter.com/9QG1w5Kzec
— David Dusek (@Golfweek_Dusek) July 17, 2016
With his name engraved on the Claret Jug.
Henrik Stenson's name is engraved on the Claret Jug. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/XA6zsEwryI
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 17, 2016
Good thing he isn’t a great putter, or it could have been worse.
I see Henrik Stenson is ranked 148th in putting this year. Coulda fooled me.
— Dan Jenkins (@danjenkinsgd) July 17, 2016
And when you win, who ya gonna hug? Your caddie and wife, of course.
A hug for his caddie.
A kiss for his wife.Life is good. pic.twitter.com/JABoiIeFnu
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 17, 2016
It feels good to be the champ.
How it feels to be a Major champ.. ? ?? #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/xkAWqwTeLf
— National Club Golfer (@NCG_com) July 17, 2016
It sure does!
Congratulations Henrik! pic.twitter.com/Tc8vww1ndJ
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) July 17, 2016