The 25-year-old topped his third-place finish of the PGA Championship with a runners-up place in His Open bow, putting up 65 in the final round. Another day could be a chance to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Collin Morikawa and lift the Claret Jug on debut.
Instead, he watched his playing partner and name, Cameron Smith, blitz the back nine, shooting the lowest round of a St Andrews Champion – an honor Young’s score could be able to secure had the Australian had not been so impressive.
Young is in a depressed mood while reflecting on the fact that he missed out. He believes this practice can improve in the fight for honours during the final phases of majors.
“I handled it pretty well,” he added. “At this point, I’m not like some of these other guys; however, I’ve been on the front line frequently this season.
“In the PGA TOUR, in a major, this isn’t the first time I’ve found myself in that position.
“And as I try to put myself there, the more I remember saying at the PGA, I’m sure that one of these days I’ll be shooting five-under on the back, and that’ll be enough.
“Today, I tried, but it didn’t. I’m guessing I’ll shoot six-under at one back one day, and that’s enough.
“It probably hurts a little worse to come up one shot short. If you lose by eight you don’t really care. But I played well today. I would have signed up for 65 this morning.”
Young started The 150th Open with an eight-under-par 64 for the lead in the morning on the first day and kept his place in contention all day long when challengers could pass him by.
The round ended slowly, beginning with one bogey on the first, and he fought the back of his head with four birdies within five holes before an expensive drive erred on the 9th.
A fall from an iris-like bush caused another birdie; however, Young’s determination continued to show as Smith and Smith were on fire following the turn, with the American trying to keep pace as Smith smashed into the hole after birdie.
Young lost by two on the 18th. Even though he kept Smith in the game with the most impressive bird, he did not believe it would be enough to beat a player that was playing in a league that was his own.
“The way Cameron Smith chips and putts, I didn’t really think he would make a four,” said the golfer declared.
“I tried to reach there; then I decided to glance at myself because you never have a clue.
“But considering how he played and how the hole is set up, there was a likely possibility that two would not suffice.
“I tried my best to do the best I could. The sight of him making many birds in one go is, in a sense, great because it makes you feel better, but in another way, it’s a bit difficult as you watch him make putts while knowing the opponent is beating you.
“I had a front-row seat to I’m sure one of the better rounds that’s been played this year but I stuck to my plan and the process of what had gotten me there really well.”
Reminiscing about the missed shots, which cost a lot of money, Young added: “On 9, I tried hard to get it on the green, but I knew that it’s fine to do so.
Also Read: How to Stay Positive About the Aging Process
“I tried to hit one with a lot of force before turning left to the right, and I overdid it. It might not be the best choice I’ve made and not the most efficient shot I made today. It was one of those occasions.
“On one, the second putt did not do what I expected. I thought it was a little left, then it went to the left.
“But overall I think I had a really good week and I hung in there really well today.”
Stay connected