Monday 18 July 2016 14:57, UK
Henrik Stenson's final round at Royal Troon was "as close to perfection as we've ever seen", according to former Open champion Padraig Harrington.
Stenson shot a stunning score of -20 under par - the joint-lowest in major history - to claim the Claret Jug on Sunday, the first major title of his career.
His thrilling battle with nearest challenger Phil Mickelson also revived memories of the 'Duel in the Sun' between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus at Turnberry in 1977.
Harrington, who was victorious at the Open in 2007 and 2008, heaped huge praise on Stenson and believes the Swede produced one of the finest rounds ever seen in the sport.
"It's definitely the most impressive round I've ever seen, in terms of physical golf, he could have shot a 59," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"He had a couple of three putts and missed a couple of putts. But it was as close to perfection as we've ever seen.
"We've obviously seen different rounds with different guys where there's been a bit more drama. There was drama because Phil was there, but it was as consistent a round as you'll see out there.
"That's the best round of golf we've seen in the final round of major."
Stenson's stunning final round of 63 was the joint-lowest in major history, with his final score of 264 the lowest winning total for any 72-hole major championship.
Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, also joined Harrington in hailing the performance Stenson, as well as thath of Mickelson.
"It was unbelievable golf. I would be intrigued to see where the boys were hitting it because the scoring was phenomenal on that golf course," he said.
"[Stenson] is 40-years-old and he has been in the game for many, many years. He's going to be massively popular, everyone wants to see the good guys come through and do well and Henrik is certainly one of them."
Martin Kaymer added: "Mickelson and Stenson [in the final] round was probably one of the best battles that I can remember. To shoot six under par is what Mickelson did, he had a chance to win.
"But Henrik had a very good way of avoiding that. To shoot eight under in the final round of a major, trying to win your first major, I have a lot of respect for that."
