A Magical British Open
A Monday finish at the British Open couldn't get any more exciting. USA's Zach Johnson won the Claret Jug and his 2nd major after a nail-biting final round that ended in a 4-hole play-off. Here's a quick look at the big talking points of the Open at St Andrews
ZACH IS BACK!
Imagine Zach Johnson wearing his Green Jacket and drinking out of the Claret Jug too! World No.12 American ended his 8-year major drought at the British Open winning in an exciting 4-hole play-off.
Johnson shot an incredible 6 under on the final day to put himself in contention; the icing on the cake was his birdie on the 18th hole that helped him finish at 15 under, leading him into the 3-way playoff. A chicken dance from Johnson's caddie was only befitting! At the end he emerged like a true champion, beating South African Louis Oosthuizen by one shot and Australian Marc Leishman by 3 in 4-holes.
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SO CLOSE YET SO FAR!
Jordan Spieth was on the cusp of creating history. He came close to his 3rd straight major win came a superb 30-foot birdie on the 16th and then it was literally snatched out of his hand with a bogey on the final 17th hole. He finished just one shot off the play-off group at 14 under. His perseverance through the week was laudable and definitely gave us a taste of the young champion he is and things he's yet to achieve.
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ANIRBAN KEPT INDIAN HOPES ALIVE
Two days of sensational golf and two days of average golf still give you a fairly good finish; India's Anirban Lahiri got his best showing in a major after he finished tied for 30th at the British Open. The 28-year old went into the weekend looking set for a top-15 finish but the Bangalore golfer was not able to follow it through. Anirban admitted it was his inexperience that got the better of him but kudos still for keeping the Indian flag flying high
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PAUL DUNNE ISN'T DONE JUST YET
From "Paul who" to "That's Paul"; Irish amateur Paul Dunne was one of the biggest stories entering the final round of the Open. The 21-year old was tied for the lead after 54 holes and had a chance at becoming the 1st amateur to win the Open since 1930. Dunne however mucked up his final round, scoring 6 over to fall 29 places to tied for 30th. Full marks to the amateur for keeping it young, fresh and incredibly exciting at the cradle of golf!