The Open 2024: Billy Horschel and Thriston Lawrence are Troon pairing few expected

Horschel’s four under trumps Lawrence’s three for now, but the final day of a major can do strange things to the swing, the stroke and, most pertinently, the mind.

Not that the American – who tied eighth in the US PGA in May – seems perturbed.

“I’ve worked my entire life to be in this position and I’m finally here,” he said.

“I’m embracing it. Before I go to sleep, I’ve envisioned myself holding that trophy on 18, walking out to the crowd and being congratulated as Open champion.

“That’s what I’m going to do again tonight, and hopefully that comes true.”

By the time Horschel was towelling himself down, Lawrence was long up the road and enjoying his evening.

Maybe he watched his Sunday partner come down the brutal stretch. Maybe not. But the way he was talking post-round, it was just going to be another day.

“The gameplan doesn’t change and the mentality doesn’t change,” the 27-year-old South African said.

“Hopefully I’m in with a couple of shots, but I’m going to just try to do the same thing, be aggressive and try and win a tournament.”