Stenson claims Open Major

Henrik Stenson won his first major title by three shots with a record Open Championship score of 20-under-par at Royal Troon.

The 40-year-old Swede went into the final day’s play with a slender one-shot lead over American Phil Mickelson in what looked certain to be a two-horse race for the Claret Jug as American Bill Haas started his round in third position – six shots off the pace.

And that is the way it turned out as the pair went toe-to-toe throughout with 2013 champion, Mickelson, keeping the pressure on as he fired an eagle and four birdies in an impressive bogey-free 65.

But Stenson remained ice cool as the pressure mounted and birdied four of his final five holes to finish with a best round-of-the-day 63 and beat Tiger Woods’ previous best Open score of 19-under at St Andrews in 2000 in the process.

On receiving the Claret Jug, Stenson said: “This will take a while to sink in, I am still getting my bearings.

“It seems like it was not going to be anyone else but the two of us. I am delighted to come out on top. Thank you very much for a great fight.

“I want to thank my wife, my family, my team, all the hard work has helped to make this possible and my caddie Gareth Lord.

“I lost a dear friend on Wednesday morning in the States from cancer and I feel like he has been with me all week, Mike this one is for you.”

American JB Holmes hit a final round 69 to claim third place on six under par, while Rory McIlroy (67) and England’s Tyrrell Hatton (68) tied for fifth on four under.

Tagged Henrik Stenson, Royal Troon, Stenson, The Open