Scottie Scheffler keeps his cool with a 67 to lead the British Open by four. Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, and others dazzle, but can they catch the world No. 1 on Sunday?
Steady Scheffler Stays on Top as Rivals Heat Up Royal Portrush
When the sun shines on a links course like Royal Portrush, you expect fireworks—and Saturday’s third round of the British Open delivered. While big names like Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton, and Xander Schauffele lit up the leaderboard with birdies and eagles, it was world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler who quietly held his nerve and padded his lead.
Scheffler’s bogey-free 67 wasn’t flashy, but it was surgical. He now sits at 14-under, holding a four-stroke cushion heading into Sunday. If his record means anything—he’s won all nine times he’s led after 54 holes on the PGA Tour—the Claret Jug might already have his name etched on it.
“I had another good day today. I was pretty patient and felt like I was hitting it really nice,” Scheffler said. “Sometimes in major championships it can be tough to make birdies, and today was one of those days where I just had to give myself some looks and was able to hole a few.”
The man’s basically allergic to pressure.
A Day for the Shotmakers
This wasn’t just a highlight reel for Scheffler, though. The crowd at Portrush got a show. McIlroy brought the noise early with a 66, giving local fans something to dream about as he moved to 8-under.
“I’ve got a chance. I need to get off to a great start like I did today, and if I can do that, anything can happen,” McIlroy said.
And he’s right. We’ve seen final-round miracles before—this is The Open, after all.
Li Haotong quietly made history of his own. His 69 means he’ll be the first Chinese player ever in the final pairing of a major. That’s not just a footnote—that’s a big deal for the sport.
Meanwhile, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton stayed in the hunt with moments of brilliance. Fitzpatrick dropped an eagle at No. 2, while Hatton’s approach on the 7th found the hole for a clean eagle three. And Xander? The defending champ shot a nifty 66 to remind everyone he’s not done yet.
Can Anyone Catch Scottie?
Let’s be real: if Scheffler keeps playing like this, the rest of the field might just be fighting for second. But Portrush has its tricks, and Sunday pressure is a different beast.
Tips to Watch for the Final Round:
- Start fast: With the course scorable, players need to grab birdies early.
- Weather factor: Saturday gave players a break. If wind kicks up Sunday, chaos could follow.
- Keep an eye on McIlroy: If he gets hot early, this crowd could turn nuclear.
- Scheffler’s putting: He’s been solid, but one off-day on the greens could open the door.
Big Names, Big Moments
Saturday was filled with “did-that-just-happen?” shots. Russell Henley posted the lowest round of the day with a 65, while Lee Westwood flirted with an Open record on the back nine before settling for a 69.
Sadly, not everyone thrived. Defending champ Brian Harman limped to a 73 after a double bogey at the opener and likely won’t be repeating.
But that’s golf, right? One day you’re feasting; the next you’re forgotten.
Final Thoughts
Sunday at The Open is shaping up to be a must-watch. Can Scheffler cruise to glory? Will McIlroy or one of the other chasers mount a charge? Either way, we’re set for a classic finish on one of the sport’s most beautiful stages.
My advice? Brew the coffee early, mute your phone, and enjoy every second. This is why we love this game.
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