Rory McIlroy was the player with the spectator support and the myriad of narratives and — as the most vocal protector of the status quo — perhaps the weight of golf's impending future seemingly resting upon his shoulders.
Cameron Smith was the one with the magical putter.
The 150th Open Championship, the greatest celebration of the game in its storied history, ended with Smith as the Champion Golfer of the Year following a brilliant final-round 64 which featured a back-nine 30 that included five consecutive birdies.