Stat attack

The cream rises to the top at the sport’s oldest and most prestigious major and that was certainly the case at the 148th Championship as first-time winner Shane Lowry reigned supreme.

The man from the island of Ireland fought off a stellar field to be crowned 2019 Champion Golfer of the Year as The Open made its long-awaited return to Royal Portrush after 68 years.

Lowry’s maiden major title arrived courtesy of a six-shot margin but, as is so often the case, the final leaderboard only told part of the story after four enthralling days of action.

Here’s a look at some of the most interesting stats from The 148th Open, including the numbers that contributed to Lowry’s famous triumph.

79.17%

Lowry had the highest percentage of greens made in regulation over the four rounds, with his impressive approach play far surpassing the rest of the field average of 62.26 per cent.

62.5%

In contrast, County Offaly native Lowry was less accurate from the tee, finding himself well down the pecking order when it came to the number of fairways hit as Paul Waring led the way (78.57%).

1.62

Lowry was pretty infallible with the putter in hand, though, with his average number of putts below the field average of 1.68 as he clinched the Claret Jug.

17

The conditions on Sunday proved troublesome for many of the field as the wind and rain arrived, but it was not a problem for Bernd Wiesberger who made 17 pars on his way to a one-under 70.

21

The number of double bogeys made at the 11th hole over the four days. The 475-yard par four, named PG Stevenson’s, was the joint hardest hole along with the 14th.

23

Lowry’s total birdie haul en route to winning his first major title. Eight of those 23 birdies came during his stunning round of 63 on Saturday, setting a course record on the new layout.

32

There were plenty of eagles across the four days, with 32 in total. Many of them came at the par-five 12th, which was the easiest hole of the Championship with a 4.66 average score to par.

39.29%

Jordan Spieth finished with the lowest percentage of fairways hit from those that played all four rounds. Despite his struggles off the tee, the 2017 Champion Golfer still managed a T-20 finish.

41%

The percentage of the field to find the 16th green in regulation. The 236-yard par three, known as Calamity Corner, certainly lived up to its billing and played as the third-toughest hole.

72.175

The average score made by players on the par 71 layout. Any fears that Portrush would not hold up against the modern golfer proved to be unfounded after its long wait for The Open to return.

150

The number of bogeys made at the 14th hole, which was the hardest green to find in regulation over the four days. Only 32 per cent of the field found the green with their approach.

269

Lowry’s winning score after shooting rounds of 67, 67, 63 and 72. His total was the joint-fourth lowest in Open history, five behind Henrik Stenson’s record of 264 from Royal Troon.

381

The length of the longest drive of the week, struck by Callum Shinkwin. His effort was 30 yards longer than the next best drive, having earned his place at Portrush through Final Qualifying.