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Golf: Four of the lowest Open Championship rounds at St Andrews

We take a look at some lowest rounds hit at St Andrews during the Open Championship


It will be a historic week for St Andrews, who will be staging the 150th edition of The Open Championship.

There have been some iconic moments over the years at the Home of Golf, which has played host to the most prestigious Major of the season on 29 occasions.

Although the Old Course will be laden with tricky pin positions, there is a growing feeling that there could be some low scores posted. Indeed, in 2015, there were more final rounds carded in the 60s compared to any of the first five Open Championships at St Andrews following the conclusion of World War II.

We have rummaged through the archives, and we have picked out four stunning rounds that took our breath away.

Nick Faldo (1990, 2nd Round – 65)

Perhaps one of the greatest golfers to hail from these shores, Nick Faldo, or rather Sir Nick Faldo to be precise, had an affinity with The Open Championship, which he won on three occasions.

En route to his 1990 triumph, Faldo produced a truly commanding display in Round Two, as he shot a 65. He was able to surge clear of his adversary Greg Norman, and he set a new Championship record with an overall score of 270 (-18). It was a truly extraordinary performance and one that continues to be talked about by ardent golfing fans.

Paul Broadhurst (1990, Round Three - 63)

Before 1990, no golfer had gone lower than 65 around the Old Course at an Open Championship. But that was all about to change when Paul Broadhurst turned on the style and accomplished that feat at St Andrews.

Broadhurst was in fine shape through the front nine, and he then rattled home a birdie on the par-4 10th hole. It could have been an eagle, as he drove the green, but his attempt from 40 feet lipped out.

Nevertheless, it did little to halt his progress as he picked up another birdie, and he was solo fifth through 54 holes.

Rory McIlroy (2010, 1st Round - 63)

McIlroy is the type of player who can rip things up and The Open Championship has been kind to him over the years. And in 2010 at St Andrews, the Ulsterman produced a blistering opening round as he posted a nine-under-par score of 63.

Although the conditions were inclement, McIlroy carded seven birdies and an eagle. On the final 10 holes, he played it in eight under par to hold a three-shot lead in the clubhouse over 1995 champion John Daly and Scotland’s Andrew Coltart.

McIlroy was supposedly inspired by his compatriot Graeme McDowell, who lifted the US Open a month earlier, and it was evident at St Andrews with this spellbinding display.

Marc Leishman (2015, Third Round – 64)

A top-six finisher in three of the past seven Open Championships, Marc Leishman knows how to tackle links courses. While he has been a model of consistency, he has also experienced some heartache.

The Australian was in scintillating form in round three in 2015. He shot a bogey-free 64, and if he had found birdies in two of the last three holes, then he would have posted the lowest score ever in a major championship.

As it was, Leishman did not let the malign conditions affect him. He was imperious from tee to green, as he hit 94% of fairways, and 78% of greens in regulation, and needed just 25 putts in the third round.

While he followed up his superb third-round performance with a 66 on the Sunday, he was edged out in a three-man playoff involving Zach Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen.

Who will walk away with the Claret Jug?

The Open Championship will be fiercely contested this week, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see many players shoot low scores. While there are plenty of notable candidates that could walk away with the Claret Jug, we’re liking the look of Jordan Spieth.

The American, who was named Champion Golfer of the Year in 2017, will be looking to add a second Open Championship to his collection. If you fancy him in the outright market, then he’s available at 14/1 with Paddy Power to enter the winner’s circle.


* Odds correct at the time of writing but subject to change.


Charles Perrin

Charles Perrin

Charles is an experienced sports betting content producer providing bespoke content, specialising in golf and football