Scottie Scheffler showcased his commanding form at the 153rd edition of The Open Championship, leading the tournament with a four-shot advantage after a bogey-free third round of 67. The world number one demonstrated precision and focus, even navigating the notoriously challenging 16th hole at Royal Portrush, known as Calamity Corner, without any difficulty. With a total score of 14-under par, Scheffler is on the verge of claiming his first Claret Jug.
The American golfer exhibited remarkable skill, particularly with an eagle on the par-five seventh hole, further solidifying his position as the tournament favorite. “I think it would be silly to say that you can never let your mind wander, but I think most of what I can control is the time I have when we’re thinking about the shot and when I’m over the ball,” Scheffler stated during a press conference. This disciplined mindset has helped him maintain his momentum, as he has not dropped a shot since a bogey on the 11th hole during his second round.
Scheffler’s recent performances are impressive, having converted all seven of his last 54-hole leads on the PGA Tour, including previous majors, such as The Masters in 2022 and 2024. His ability to handle pressure puts him in a strong position to secure victory on Sunday. “I’m excited for the challenge of tomorrow. Winning major championships is not an easy task, and I’ve put myself in a good position,” he noted.
Challengers Eye Scheffler’s Lead
While Scheffler leads, Haotong Li and Matt Fitzpatrick remain in contention. Li, currently in second place at 10-under par, has proven himself capable of rising to the occasion on the final day of The Open. In 2017, he delivered an impressive closing round of 63 at Royal Birkdale, marking the best finish by a Chinese golfer at a men’s major. After overcoming personal struggles with the yips—a condition that caused involuntary muscle tension—Li expressed his excitement about competing alongside the world number one. “Four shots behind … to play with world No. 1, I’ll just try to play my best out there and hopefully make something happen,” he said.
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, is just one stroke behind Li at nine-under overall. Although he shot an even-par 71 in his third round, a spectacular chip-in eagle was tempered by three bogeys that left him frustrated. “Just made way less putts than Scottie … they just wouldn’t go in,” Fitzpatrick remarked. He acknowledged the significant difference in putting performance between himself and Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy, a local favorite, is among a group sitting six shots off the lead at six-under par. His eventful round of 66 included moments of brilliance, such as a stunning eagle putt from 56 feet. Yet, he also faced unexpected challenges, including a bizarre incident at the par-four 11th hole. “That is the most weird, ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen,” McIlroy reflected, describing the moment he found a hidden ball while attempting to escape thick rough.
Despite his efforts, McIlroy recognizes the difficulty in closing the gap on Scheffler. “He’s playing like Scottie. He’s just so solid, he doesn’t make mistakes,” said McIlroy, emphasizing the challenge of competing against such a consistent performer.
As the tournament heads into its final round, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion. Scottie Scheffler’s impressive play has positioned him well, but with capable challengers like Li and Fitzpatrick, the outcome remains uncertain. All eyes will be on Royal Portrush as the golfers prepare for what promises to be a thrilling finish.