Jordan Spieth is adamant his game “is back” despite finishing four shots behind Open Championship winner Francesco Molinari at Carnoustie on Sunday.

The 24-year-old American went into the third major of 2018 looking to retain the Claret Jug, which he won 12 months ago at Royal Birkdale.

And Sieth looked on course to claim a fourth major title of his career when he went into Sunday’s final round boasting a two-shot lead alongside fellow compatriots Xander Schauffele and Kevin Kisner thanks to Saturday’s impressive six-under-par 65.

But his game went awry in windy conditions as he carded a five-over 76 to slip down to jont ninth place in the final standings as Molinari produced a two-under final round of 69 to win on eight under.

Despite the frustration of not being able to successfully win back-to-back Open titles, Spieth was encouraged afterwards because he felt most aspects of his game were returning across the weekend on the testing Scottish course.

He said: “Man, I just didn’t make a putt today. I hit really good putts too. My stroke is there. It’s back, which feels awesome.”

Spieth added: “My game altogether is back. I’ve had every single part of my game being at kind of a low point in my career, not all at the same time, but enough to where I haven’t really been able to compete. It’s all there, and it’s moving in the right direction.”

Spieth is now 12/1 to win the final major of the year, the PGA Championship, which will take place from August 9–12 at Bellerive Country Club in Town and Country in Missouri, while Molinari is 25/1 to follow up his Open win with another major triumph.