For almost four decades, there really was only one answer when it came to the question of the Open Championship’s most iconic head-to-head battle.
The captivating contest between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977 quickly became known as the Duel in the Sun and set the bar for final-round showdowns, the pair streaking clear of their rivals with performances of the highest quality.
However, a similarly brilliant face-off would unfold 39 years later, just up the coastline from Turnberry at Royal Troon, as Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson provided a Sunday to savour.
Watson himself later argued that his and Nicklaus’ efforts in 1977 had been eclipsed by Stenson and Mickelson’s outstanding performances in 2016 at Troon.
If it seemed like only two people were truly in contention for the Claret Jug as the final day of the 145th Open began, that suspicion was soon confirmed when the leading pair resumed their bids for glory.
Stenson and Mickelson had reached 12- and 11-under, respectively, through 54 holes, putting them well clear of Bill Haas, who sat third on 6-under.
What followed was truly remarkable, with an action-packed opening four holes for the final group setting the tone for an afternoon of high drama.
To read more about the duel of the “sons,” click HERE.
Follow The R&A on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
The R&A