Much better from McIlroy but there's no stopping Special One Spieth
Jordan lifts the Open after dramatic final day at Royal Birkdale
It was a case of so near yet so far for Rory McIlroy as he bid win his second Open.
The World Number Four put up a brave performance on the final day – to finish five under.
McIlroy views it as a lost opportunity after a superb fightback from the first couple of days.
But after missing the cut in three out of his previous four tournaments, this was an excellent turnaround in his fortunes.
However, he nor the rest of the field could do little to stop Jordan Spieth from lifting the Claret Jug after a day of drama at Royal Birkdale.
The young Texan was simply sensational as he raced to a three-stroke victory over fellow American Matt Kuchar – finishing the tournament in -12.
Along the way, he had a scare at the 13th when his wayward shot ended off course in deep foliage, he had to take his shot where the various equipment trucks were parked.
It took nearly 20 minutes to re-start but what followed was astonishing.
This could have gone horribly wrong for Spieth but he took his time and gathered his thoughts before completing the hole, dropping just one shot at the hole.
From then on, there was only going to be one winner.
He said: “This is absolutely a dream come true for me,'' he said.
At 23 years old, he now has more Major wins to his name than Tiger Woods did at the same age.
It is the third Major or his career and he says he now wants to go one further and become the youngest player to complete the grand slam at next month’s PGA Championship