Xander Schauffele opens up on what motivated him to win The 2024 Open Championship- "I watched the highlight of Phil and Henrik"

Xander Schauffele is the newly crowned Champion Golfer of the Year after winning The 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon. It is the second major championship of Schauffele's career, both coming this year.

The American saved his best golf for last, carding a fourth-round 65 with six birdies and no bogeys. It was enough to finish two strokes ahead of Justin Rose and Billy Horschel and take home the Claret Jug.

In his trophy acceptance speech, Schauffele revealed that he used a special resource to motivate himself before his spectacular round. This is part of what Schauffele had to say (via The Guardian):

"It’s quite a journey… I feel very honoured… to hear your name called with Open champion after it, it’s something I’ve dreamed of for a very long time… I watched the highlight of Phil [Mickelson] and Henrik [Stenson] in 2016 to motivate myself for this week, I guess that paid off pretty nice."

Xander Schauffele also thanked the Scottish fans for their support:

"I’d like to congratulate Calum Scott… I’d like to thank the R&A … we all feel very honoured to partake in this great tournament… I’ve been in Scotland for two weeks now, you guys have been amazing… you’ve made it feel like a second home for me and I can’t wait to come back."

Phil Mickelson and Henrick Stenson starred in one of the most memorable final rounds at The Open in recent memory. It happened in 2016, which was also played at Royal Troon.

Mickelson and Stenson reached the fourth round with the Swede leading by one shot. On the final day, the two players were neck and neck until the 14th hole, where Stenson took the lead for good.

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A look at Xander Schauffele's performance at The Open Championship

Xander Schauffele was one of only five players to card three of his four rounds in the 60s at The 2024 Open Championship. He was also one of only four players to card a round of 65. But he was the only player to accomplish both feats.

Schauffele carded a three-birdie, one-bogey 69 in the first round. A day later, he carded three bogeys and two birdies for a 72, his only over par score at the event.

On "Moving Day," Schauffele matched his first round score (69) with four birdies and two bogeys. He closed the tournament with a spectacular 6-under 65. He finished at 9-under for the tournament.

Prior to his victory at Royal Troon Golf Club, Xander Schauffele had played in six editions of The Open Championship. His best finish was a tie for second in 2018, which was also his only top-10 finish.