Scottie Scheffler showcased a masterclass in golf during the third round of The Open Championship at Royal Portrush, maintaining a commanding four-shot lead as he aims for his first Claret Jug. On July 15, 2023, Scheffler delivered a bogey-free round of 67, further solidifying his status as the tournament favorite. His performance, marked by consistent precision, included an eagle at the par-five seventh hole, bringing his overall score to an impressive 14-under par.
The 29-year-old world number one demonstrated remarkable focus, stating, “I think most of what I can control is the time I have when we’re thinking about the shot.” His ability to remain committed to his game plan has been evident throughout the tournament, with Scheffler not having dropped a shot since a bogey on the 11th hole during his career-low round of 64 on Friday. As he prepares for the final round, Scheffler is within striking distance of joining golf legends like Rory McIlroy in completing the career grand slam of all four major titles.
Challengers in Pursuit
While Scheffler leads, the competition remains fierce. Closest challenger, Haotong Li, is four shots behind at ten-under par. Li, a four-time European Tour winner, previously achieved a notable third-place finish at Royal Birkdale in 2017. His journey back to form is impressive, particularly after contemplating retirement due to struggles with the yips. Li expressed his excitement about the upcoming final round, saying, “I’ll just try to play my best out there and hopefully make something happen.”
Just one stroke behind Li at nine-under is Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion. Fitzpatrick managed an even-par 71, featuring a remarkable chip-in eagle but marred by three bogeys on the back nine. Reflecting on his performance, he noted, “Just made way less putts than Scottie… he’s just not missed a putt today.” This disparity has highlighted the importance of putting in Scheffler’s dominant performance.
Rory McIlroy’s Eventful Round
Northern Ireland’s own Rory McIlroy is among the trailing pack, sitting six shots behind Scheffler at six-under overall following an eventful round of 66. McIlroy began with a spectacular 36-foot birdie and maintained momentum until a bizarre incident at the par-four 11th, where he inadvertently discovered a hidden ball during his swing. Despite the setback, he rebounded with a stunning 56-foot eagle putt on the next hole.
McIlroy acknowledged the challenge of chasing Scheffler, stating, “He’s playing like Scottie. He’s just so solid, he doesn’t make mistakes.” As the final round approaches, McIlroy, along with competitors like Tyrrell Hatton, Chris Gotterup, and Harris English, will need to elevate their games considerably to close the gap on the leader.
As the championship nears its conclusion, Scheffler’s dominant form and strategic play leave little doubt that he is the man to beat. With only 18 holes remaining, golf enthusiasts around the world will be watching closely to see if he can secure his first major title and etch his name into history.
