Southport, England: American pro golfing star Jordan Spieth shot to prominence as he produced a superlative performance only to defeat Matt Kuchar and grab the 146th British Open title. 

The Texan clinched his first Claret Jug by three shots from countryman Matt Kuchar to secure the third leg of the career Grand Slam of all four of golf's big events.

                                                        Jordan Speith displaying his emotions at The Open

The Open also saw a recording-breaking performance from Branden Grace, a 29-year-old from South Africa. He became the first player in major-championship history to shoot a sub-63 round, when he brushed in a 3-foot par putt on the 18th hole for an 8-under 62.

                                                                   The actual score card of Jordan Speith

Also, China’s Li Hao-tong equalled the lowest final round in Major history and earned a spot at The Masters next year after finishing third at The Open on Sunday.

The Open debutant fired a brilliant seven-under-par 63 thanks to a flawless card highlighted by four closing birdies. He totalled six-under-par 274 to finish six shots behind eventual winner Jordan Spieth of the United States at Royal Birkdale.

Li’s effort matched only three other players’ final round score - Jodie Mudd (1991), Payne Stewart (1993) and Henrik Stenson (2016). “Not really, actually,” Li replied when asked if he expected to shoot a 63. “For some reason after hole No. 8, I just started holing everything. Now I’m feeling awesome, it is unbelievable actually. It means a lot to me.”

“It's kind of a dream come true, you know. I definitely got a lot support from China, from my friends, from fans, you know, just keep behaving myself and play some decent golf. I think it was just more a mental thing. When I had bad shot, I just always tell myself, hang on in there and try to hole the putt. Glad to see I holed everything,” he smiled.

This is the best ever finish by a golfer from China in a Major tournament. Liang Wen-chong previously finished tied eighth at the 2010 US PGA Championship.

However, Lu Liang-huan of Chinese Taipei or better known as Mr. Lu remains as the best Asian finisher at The Open with his runner-up result also at Royal Birkadale in 1971. 
 

Day-1: Thongchai Jaidee makes flying start at-the-open

Day 2: Thongchai marches on to make cut at The Open

Day 3: Jordan Speith looks to capture First Open Title