Matthias Schmid completed a history making week by becoming the first German to win the Silver Medal at The 2021 Open Championship.
The 23-year-old started his week at Royal St George's Golf Club with a 74 but hit back in stunning fashion on day two with a record equalling 65.
His five under par round matched the lowest by an amateur at The Open, recorded by 2011 Silver Medal winner Tom Lewis over the same layout ten years ago.
That also assured his place in the field over the weekend and gave him a chance to finish as top amateur, with China's Lin Yuxin also making the cut.
The likes of Justin Rose, McIlroy. It's something special to play well here as an amateur. I guess it doesn't happen too often. So I'm very, very happy that I could do it this week
Weekend scores of 71-72 saw him finish at two over and join an illustrious list of players including Major Champions Hal Sutton, José María Olazábal, Tiger Woods, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy in taking home the Silver Medal.
"I just got told some of the names that has been on the list for a Silver Medal and I'm proud of myself I was able to join it this week," he said. "That was the goal coming in here.
"The likes of Justin Rose, McIlroy. It's something special to play well here as an amateur. I guess it doesn't happen too often. So I'm very, very happy that I could do it this week."
23-year-old German Matthias Schmid wins the Silver Medal as leading amateur. #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/COzHca8Jhn
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) July 18, 2021
Schmid won the 2019 European Amateur to earn an Open debut but missed the cut at Royal Portrush Golf Club, sealing a second chance by successfully defending his title in 2020.
His appearance in Northern Ireland was his European Tour debut and after playing the Porsche European Open, U.S. Open and BMW International Open in recent weeks - finishing in a tie for 14th at the latter - he is looking forward to more Tour action at the Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale.
"The game's in good shape and I will tee it up in Wales next week and see what I can do," he said.
