Four-shot margin does not do justice to Scottie Scheffler’s Open dominance

Tiger Woods used to do this: suck out the atmosphere and spit out the opposition. If there was any doubt that big-time male golf is in the midst of the Scottie Scheffler-era then there surely is not anymore. Not after the procession of Portrush and the annexation of the 153rd Open.

Scottie Scheffler after winning the Open with his young son Bennett
Scottie Scheffler holds the Claret Jug and his young son Bennett - Getty Images/Andrew Redington

Tiger Woods used to do this: suck out the atmosphere and spit out the opposition. If there was any doubt that big-time male golf is in the midst of the Scottie Scheffler-era then there surely is not anymore. Not after the procession of Portrush and the annexation of the 153rd Open.

When he lifted the Claret Jug, many inevitably wondered if his euphoria would survive more than the two minutes he claimed it usually lasts. In Scheffler’s already infamous self-confessional earlier in the week, he revealed that, in these moments of intense glory, he is soon hit by a sense of “what is the point?”.

In truth, his rivals had been thinking that all afternoon, as the undisputed No 1 in ranking and aura, left them battling for the minor placings. Scheffler beat countryman Harris English by four shots, but, honestly, it felt like a big four shots.

It is his first Open victory, his second major this season, his fourth overall and leaves him just the US Open short of joining Rory McIlroy in that exclusive six-legend pantheon who have completed the career grand slam.

All roads lead to Shinnecock Hills, although by next June expect the Scheffler avenue to be crammed with yet more garlands. He was thought to be vulnerable on the links and the comparatively slower greens of the seaside, but he proved he can do it anywhere.

Who will stop him achieving golf’s first “golden slam” – he has won an Olympic gold as well – who and will dare challenge his hegemony? He is utterly impervious, as the stunning Antrim coastline discovered.

They arrived here in record numbers ready to roar on McIlroy, but very soon those throaty cheers were replaced by expressions of gobsmacked awe. Scheffler, holding a four-shot overnight lead, spun it into 18 inches on the first and was barely inclined to peer in his rear-view mirror thereafter. So much for the Texan being intimidated by McIlroy’s home support. Like Tiger, again, his brilliance acts like an energy sieve for the rest.

Scottie Scheffler wins the 153rd Open Championship
Scheffler showed some emotion when he spotted his family at the side of the green - Reuters/Paul Childs

For someone who is adverse to grand pronouncement, this display was a chilling statement. McIlroy is under no illusions what it means and will simply be glad that he managed to finish off his own career slam at the Masters in April when Scheffler was not at his peak, after a hand injury caused a rusty start to his campaign.

“There’s only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run like the one that Scottie’s been on for the last 36 months or so,” he said. “Incredibly impressive. I can only tip my hat in admiration. He has worked hard on his putting and that was his only weakness. He is the bar that we’re all trying to get to.”

Xander Schauffele, the defending champion, concurred. “I don’t think we thought the golfing world would see someone as dominant as Tiger come through so soon, and here’s Scottie sort taking that throne of dominance,” he said. “You can’t even say he’s on a run. He’s just been killing it for over two years now. When we see his name up on the leaderboard, it sucks for us.”

And there it was the “T” word. Apart from the spooky statistic that says that Scheffler’s fourth major came 1,197 days after he had won the first, exactly the same as Woods, the greatest compliment one can give to the 29-year-old is that his peers are prepared to make the comparison.

Scottie Scheffler with his family
Scheffler embraces his wife Meredith and their son on the 18th green - Getty Images/Oisin Keniry

No, it was not akin to mentioning “You Know Who”, but there was always an unwritten rule in the locker room to resist declaring anyone as “the new Tiger”. Unfair to one, disrespectful to the other. However, with Scheffler it is simply too tempting to resist. They were all happy to evoke the memory of the red-shirted one. Tiger would have been proud of this,” English said. “He’s doing Tiger things,” Matt Fitzpatrick said, “especially now he is consistent with his putter.”

The improvement on the greens has occurred since he enlisted English putting coach Phil Kenyon, nicknamed “the Pep of putting”. Before he linked up with Lancastrian, Woods said the following about Scheffler: “If he putts decent, he wins. If he putts great, he blows away the field. If he putts badly, he contends.”

In 2023, before Kenyon convinced him to switch to the mallet, Scheffler ranked 162nd out of 193 players on the PGA Tour putting charts. On these four days, he gained nearly nine strokes on the field on the greens.

“It’s f------ annoying,” Fitzpatrick, another of Kenyon’s clients, said with a wink and a laugh. “Putting was his weakness and when he was winning, it was maybe only by one or two. But now he’s fixed his putting, it’s like, ‘how many do you want me to win by this week?’. They have put in a ton of work. So fair play to Scottie and to Phil.”

English’s 66 was a valiant effort and thrusts him into the Ryder Cup picture. The same applies to Chris Gotterup, the Scottish Open winner, who came third on 12-under after a 67. Indeed, Keegan Bradley, the US captain for the New York showdown in September, must have looked at the results sheet and come over all giddy.

The top three were all Starred and Striped and with Wyndham Clark (65) in a share of fourth with England’s Fitzpatrick (69) and China’s Haotong Li (70) and with Schauffele (68) in a tie for seventh with McIlroy (69) and Scotland’s Bob MacIntyre (67), his players were plastered all over the leaderboard.

Furthermore, Bryson DeChambeau (64) was 16-under for the final three rounds after beginning with a 78. A better start and the Mad Scientist would have been challenging Scheffler. Or maybe not.


07:39 PM BST

The champion

Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler with the Claret Jug after yet another masterclass - AFP/Henry Nicholls

07:32 PM BST

Tiger Scheffler?


07:29 PM BST

Rory McIlroy speaks to Sky Sports - ‘The reception meant the world to me’

On the reception he got from the crowds...

“It meant a lot. I have had an unbelievable week. The support means the world to me. To be back home after the season I have had is really unbelievable. I wanted to try and enjoy it and I did, bar not being contention today. It was an incredible week, the reception I got today and every day was special. I did allow myself a moment to try and soak it all in. This place and people mean so much to me and for that to be reciprocated meant a lot. I wish I could have been close today but happy with the week’s work.”

On Scottie Scheffler...

“He’s been at a different level this week and past couple of years and a deserving champion.” 


07:20 PM BST

During that interview

Scheffler was once again very matter of fact. Very little emotion shown. That’s just the way he is, it’s not in his personality to be open with his feelings and that shouldn’t detract from his brilliance on the fairways and greens. 


07:16 PM BST

Scheffler speaks to Sky Sports - ‘It’s pretty cool’

On winning The Open...

“It’s a pretty special feeling. It was a tough week, I battled hard, played good golf and I am now fortunate to be holding the trophy.”

On being able to call himself Champion Golfer of the Year...

“It’s fun, I grew up watching this tournament and hoped to play in it in. It’s hard to put into words what it means to win.”

On how he manges to cope with the pressure...

“I don’t really know. I felt at peace and in control even after the blip at the eighth and we and bounced back with birdie on nine. Every day is a battle and this week I did a good job of hanging in there mentally.”

On the possibility of completing the career grand slam next year...

“It’s hard to put into words it will take a while for it to sink in but right now it’s pretty cool.”


07:14 PM BST

A pretty emotionless Scheffler speaks

He said all the right things, thanking the ground staff, club, R&A, his family etc etc...but without showing much emotion.

Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler: Champion Golfer of the Year - PA/Brian Lawless

06:52 PM BST

Greatness


06:51 PM BST

Never in doubt

Scottie Scheffler wins
How many more majors will Scheffler win? - Reuters/Paul Childs

06:48 PM BST

The winning moment


06:42 PM BST

SCHEFFLER IS THE CHAMPION GOLFER OF THE YEAR

He pars the last to finish on 17 under. That was as easy a procession as you could have imagined on a course that, despite the calm conditions, still had some bite. He is an all-time great and hitting heights last seen by Tiger Woods.

Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler won his fourth major and is a US Open win away from completing the career grand slam - Reuters/Russell Cheyne
Scheffler and family
The world No 1 shares the win with his family after yet another great performance - AFP/Henry Nicholls

06:38 PM BST

Scheffler as calm as you like

As he hits his approach to the last green. With a four-shot lead it’s understandable why he’s exuding zen-like tranquility as he strolls up the 18th fairway. He is already an all-time great and it’s now a question of how many majors he will win.


06:34 PM BST

Rory ends with par at the last

He’s carded a 69 and finishes on 10 under. He gets huge standing ovation from his compatriots who, despite him ending up short, love him to bits. Even had he brought his A-game it’s doubtful whether he could have challenged Scheffler. His playing partner Fitzpatrick also carded a 69 to end on 11 under.

Rory McIlroy
McIlroy salutes the Northern Irish fans - Reuters/Russell Cheyne

06:32 PM BST

Another par for Scheffler

At the 17th. He’s three under for his round, he was three under through five by which time he has, in effect already won. Since then he’s being freewheeling his way to the Claret Jug. 


06:22 PM BST

English and Gotterup’s races are run

The two Americans finish on 13 and 12 under respectively. Both posted fine final rounds (five and four under) but never threatened Scheffler (who has?).


06:18 PM BST

Par for Rory at the 17th

He had some good fortune, being able to drop after his drive. His approach, however, found the greenside bunker he was able to get up and down and he stays on 10 under. Meanwhile, playing partner Fitzpatrick birdies to go back-to-back and move to 11 under, great stuff considering he has not had his best game out there today. 


06:07 PM BST

Par for Scheffler at the 16th

He missed the birdie putt, the ball toyed with dropping, and stays at 17 under. Two holes to go.

Meanwhile, Wyndham Clark, the former US Open champion whose name sounds like a Surrey accountancy firm, has finished his final round and ends on 11 under thanks to a brilliant 65. I assume the Portrush lockers will not get the same treatment as those at Oakmont...


06:00 PM BST

Will the 16th be a Calamity for Scheffler?

Of course it won’t...he had three twos on the infamous par three heading into this round and he now has a decent chance of a fourth in a row - a six iron 230 yards leaves him with a 10 footer for a two. Truly remarkable.


05:58 PM BST

Rory gets his up and down at the 16th

And he stays at 10 under, in a tie for fifth. 


05:54 PM BST

Another regulation par for Scheffler

Green in regulation, a nerveless two putt and he stays at 17 under. He’s ticking off the holes, only three to come. 


05:53 PM BST

It’s Calamity Corner time for Rory

And again he’s short right. He’ll have another tricky up and down for par. Playing partner Fitzpatrick (on nine under) shows him how to do it finding the heart of the green. 


05:49 PM BST

Regulation par for Scheffler at the 14th

Four holes to go and he’s about 80 minutes or so from finishing this procession and lifting the Claret Jug. 

That would mean he’ll go to Shinnecock Hills, the host of next year’s US Open, with the aim of completing the career grand slam. If he doesn’t do it then, you’d be shocked if he doesn’t complete the remarkable feat in the future, becoming the seventh man to do so. 


05:43 PM BST

Another good major week for MacIntyre

He’s four under for his past six holes and is at 10 under standing on the 18th tee, in a tie for fifth. This all bodes well for the Ryder Cup and, obviously, his hopes of landing a big title next year and beyond. 


05:33 PM BST

Rory misses a three-footer at the 14th

It sort of sums up his day. It was for birdie and would have moved him to 10 under, but it slides by on the lowside. His expression says it all BUT even had he turned up with his A-game its unlikely he would have been able to really challenge Scheffler (controversial take?). 


05:29 PM BST

Scheffler misses a putt

Yep, Scheffler has missed a eminently sinkable birdie putt. He had 10 feet to move to 18 under but, clearly keen to keep some of us interested, he misses on the high side and stays at 17 under. Still with a lead of five. 


05:22 PM BST

Scheffler has another good birdie chance

It’s at the par-three 13th. His tee shot clearing the front bunker before trundling up to within 10 feet of the hole. Metronomic.


05:18 PM BST

Call me a poor-man’s Nostradamus

As, as I predicted, Scheffler has indeed produced the up and down at the 12th for the birdie to move to 17 under. Anyone could have predicted that, though, so inevitable is it that he’ll be lifting the Claret Jug in a couple of hours time. The lead is back up to five. 


05:13 PM BST

Scheffler’s lead back to four

That’s thanks to a Gotterup birdie at the par-three 13th to go with his birdie at the 12th. He’s now at 12 under and wherever he finishes up it’s been a great two weeks for the American who won in Scotland last week. 


05:10 PM BST

Rory’s first birdie since the seventh

It’s come at the par-five 12th and moves him back to nine under, seven back of Scheffler.

As I type that the American hits his approach to left of the green and I’ll bet at least five pounds (not made of money...) that he’ll get up and down for the birdie to move to 17 under.


05:03 PM BST

Eagle for Harris English at the par-five 12th

The American drains his putt from downtown/all of 32 feet to move to 11 under. Still five back of Scheffler who has just missed his birdie putt at 11. 


04:55 PM BST

OK, so there was a bit of jeopardy

A hint that, perhaps, Scheffler wasn’t going to stroll serenely to lifting the Claret Jug with all the air of a 1950s movie star walking on the promenade in Cannes...But that lasted all of about 15 minutes. 

His lead is back up to six thanks to Gotterup bogeying the 10th. His drive found the deepish rough left and he was only able to hack out 27 yards. From there he was unable to get up and down and he’s back to 10 under. 

So, yep, Scheffler’s back to winning this with ease. 

Scheffler
As you were: Scheffler is back to having a dominant lead - PA/Brian Lawless

04:49 PM BST

Scheffler’s birdie putt flirts with going in

But it stays above ground and he stays at 16 under. The way he played the 10th, however, indicated that normal service has resumed. He left himself a 10 footer for birdie following a fine approach and fairway-finding drive. 


04:43 PM BST

DeChambeau already thinking about the Ryder Cup

Thoughts will turn immediately to the Ryder Cup as the Open draws to a close, and Team USA captain Keegan Bradley has moved to gee up his players by leaving personalised messages in their lockers.

“It’s a personal message,” revealed Bryson DeChambeau after an impressive 64 on Sunday which left him two under. “The messages were individualised” to each player and “meant a lot”, he said. “This year’s no joke,” he said ahead of the September match against Europe. “We’re tired of it. We’re tired of losing.”

DeChambeau, who has proved the most popular American at Portrush this time, said: “I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that’s going to be rooting for Team USA.”

However, he says he doesn’t know whether Donald Trump, who he counts as friend, will be there cheering him on. “I think he’s got bigger problems on his hands right now,” DeChambeau added.


04:40 PM BST

Rory’s race is run

It was all but run before but it’s definitely run now. That’s thanks to a double bogey at the par-four 10th. His drive found the semi rough, as did his approach and his third shot, in there was a duffed chip. He walks off the green with a six and is back to eight under.


04:34 PM BST

Scheffler goes back to being Scheffler

As in he was only toying with us with that double at the eighth (Scottie, you tease!). He’s bounced back with a birdie at the ninth. His 335-yard drive left him with 97 to the pin, he, as he tends to do A LOT, stiffed it to four feet and he drained the putt. 

He’s back to 16 under and has a five-shot lead. 


04:29 PM BST

Stat for everyone to ponder

Last golfer to make a double bogey in the final round of The Open and win was Padraig Harrington in 2007. 


04:28 PM BST

Gotterup with a great up and down

It’s come at the 10th and means he stays four back of Scheffler at 11 under. 


04:24 PM BST

It looks as though the wind is now out of Rory sails

He hits a monster 352-yard drive at the ninth, that leaves him 72 yards to the pin. But his chip isn’t near enough for someone his his supreme ability and a two putt means he stays at 10 under. 

Rory
McIlroy is five off the lead at the turn - Getty Images/Oisin Keniry

04:20 PM BST

Double bogey for Scheffler

Is it a case of game back on?

Quite possibly. The American was unable to drain the 15-foot putt for bogey at the eighth and is now at 15 under, a lead of just four from Gotterup. The drive into the bunker killed him, a reminder that, in spite of the calm conditions, this is still a course that can bite.


04:16 PM BST

Meanwhile Gotterup is at 11 under

Last week’s Scottish Open winner has gone out in 33 (three under) and has a bit of momentum. 

Are things about to finally get interesting? 


04:15 PM BST

BREAKING NEWS: Confirmation that Scheffler is human

Having found the fairway bunker with his drive at the par-four eighth he take two to get out of said trap. Yep, your eyes are not deceiving you, Scheffler took two to get out of the bunker. For his fourth shot he has 121 yards to the pin, his approaching leaving him a 15-footer for a bogey...


04:07 PM BST

Scheffler stands on the eighth tee box

On 17 under. He parred the par-five seventh (a minor disaster for him). And he’s found the right bunker with his drive on the eighth - he is human after all.


04:06 PM BST

This pic sums up the round and the week

This is what the rest of the field can see, the back of Scottie Scheffler, who, with his thumbs up, is enjoying his stroll to victory. 

Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler is on the verge of winning his first Claret Jug - PA/Brian Lawless

03:58 PM BST

Rory hits it 321 yards with a three-wood

It’s come at the eighth and as Faldo says on Sky Sports commentary: ‘We were lucky to hit a three-wood 230 in my day’. NF (as he sometimes calls himself in his autobiography from way back) can be a good, engaging commentator when not reminding everyone he’s won six majors etc etc. 


03:55 PM BST

Rory birdies the seventh

He, for once, plays a par five as a three-shot hole, eventually getting up and down from 88 yards. He’s at 10 under now, still some seven back of you know who...


03:53 PM BST

While we’re talking about possible records...

Biggest margin of victory at The Open

13 - By Old Tom Morris at Prestwick in 1862 (NB over 36 holes)

Biggest margin of victory at The Open in its current format (since 1926)

8 - Tiger Woods at St Andrews in 2000
7 - Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews in 2010 (-16)
6 - Bobby Jones at St Andrews in 1927 (-3)
6 - Walter Hagen at Muirfield in 1929 (+1)
6 - Arnold Palmer at Royal Troon in 1962 (-12)
6 - Johnny Miller at Royal Birkdale in 1976 (-9)
6 - Shane Lowry at Royal Portrush in 2019 (-15)
6 - Brian Harman at Royal Liverpool in 2023 (-13)


03:51 PM BST

BREAKING NEWS:Scheffler is super-human

He pars the par-three sixth having been woefully out of position with his tee shot. He was way below the green and slightly shortsided. But he’s so easily the best player since Tiger (is that even now in doubt?) that his chip leaves him with a 16-footer and he drains it (it never looked like flirting with staying above ground...). 

His putting was always perceived to be his weakness. It no longer is, and if he continues to putt like this then it will be many a year before anyone can get close to him. 


03:42 PM BST

OK, let’s assume Scheffler is winning this now

He’s just birdied the fifth - his drive left him 93 yard to the pin, and as sure as night follows day and Hatton gets angry on the greens the American produced an up and down to move to 17 under. The lead stays at seven as playing partner Haotong Li also birdies the same hole to move to 10 under. 

Think this is now all about records, lowest major score to par, biggest margin of victory etc etc etc...


03:39 PM BST

DeChambeau may well have been cursing links golf on Thursday

He walked off the windy and wet 18th seven over and fighting just to make the weekend. He has just walked off the same 18th green having carded a seven-under 64 to close on nine under. A penny for this thoughts regarding the wind on Thursday...But that was a great final round and an illustration that he can play more than target golf (his best Open finish before today was eighth). 

If the wind hadn’t blown on Thursday, Bryson DeChambeau might have won this Open. What a comeback after that first-round 78. Sixteen-under-par for the tournament since then.

DeChambeau
DeChambeau had a horrid Thursday but brilliant Friday, Saturday and Sunday - PA/Mike Egerton

03:30 PM BST

Rory birdies the fifth

He nearly drove the green and managed to get it up and down to move back to nine under, still seven back of Scheffler. After his poor start Fitzpatrick also birdies the beautiful par four, one of the great holes in world golf.


03:27 PM BST

I am calling it now

This is over...sorry, I know we all want a bit of jeopardy, for a bit of cat-and-mouse, who-will-win-it action. But it’s not coming. Scheffler has birdied the par-four fourth (thanks to a gem of an approach that used the slope threading the ball to three feet beneath the pin) and he is now at 16 under. To compound matters in the we ideally have some sense of competition stakes, Haotong Li bogeys the same hole, so Scottie now has a seven-shot lead. 

Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler will soon be lifting the real Claret Jug - AP/Jon Super

03:16 PM BST

It’s all going Scheffler’s way

That’s because Rory has bogeyed the fourth. His approach left him in the right rough and he was unable to get up and down from there. He’s back to eight under and now seven back of the American. 


03:15 PM BST

Scheffler stays on 15 under

Scottie is looking serene after two pars at the second and third. He doesn’t need to do much to win this now, you suspect. He’s got a five-shot lead and 15 pars from here on in (Faldo at Muirfield esque) will do the job. You also suspect that he’ll go lower than his current 15-under. 

SCheffler
Scottie Scheffler is walking to victory right now - Getty Images/Stuart Franklin

03:10 PM BST

Hatton looks as though he’s about to lose it

When doesn’t he? This time the truculent Englishman bemoans his ‘luck’ when missing a tiddler for par at the very-gettable par-four fifth. He walks off with a five (ouch) and looks as though he cannot understand how (perhaps becasue the putt wasn’t very good?). Hatton, who started with a birdie is back to seven under, thanks to two bogeys.


03:07 PM BST

Two great drives from Rory and Fitzpatrick

At the par-four third. But two average approaches. Rory blocks his to the right rough while the Englishman leaves himself a mammoth putt for a much-needed par. 


03:05 PM BST

Fowler ends with a 65

The American needed that, he’s been away for too long. His six-under round means he ends on eight under and, hopefully, with a boost in confidence. 


03:03 PM BST

Par for Rory at the third

A regulation two-putt par for the world No 2, he stays at nine under. But Fitzpatrick is back to eight under, his tee shot at the par three found the rough on the left and he was unable to get up and down. 

It’s all going Scheffler’s way...


03:00 PM BST

Scheffler pars the par-five second

But somehow still manages to extend his lead. That’s because Haotong Li has bogeyed the hole, he was in the greenside bunker in two but contrived to walk off the green with a bogey six. Scheffler’s lead is now five shots. 


02:56 PM BST

Rory greenside in two at the second

At the par-five second. He’s just off the green and lags a putt to a few inches and taps in for birdie. Meanwhile Fitzy (I won’t call him this throughout, I promise) plays a delightful chip from the greenside bunker setting up an easy par (his drive found the fairway bunker meaning he had no chance of getting up in two). Both walk off the green on nine-under, six back of Scheffler. 

Rory McIlroy
McIlroy is at nine under but still six back of Scheffler - Getty Images/Ramsey Cardy

02:40 PM BST

Scheffler doesn’t miss

And he is indeed at 15-under. Haotong Li also walks off with a birdie and moves to 11-under, he’s been brilliant but surely Scheffler is out of sight?


02:38 PM BST

Don’t want to say ‘game over’

But Scheffler’s approach at the first is stiffed to a foot. He has such good distance control, he always gives himself birdie chances. This is as good a nailed-on birdie chance as we’ll see today. He’ll go to 15-under and I am tempted to say, already, that everyone else is playing for second.


02:36 PM BST

Rory and Fitzpatrick both par the first

McIlroy’s drive at the second finds the rough on the left, it doesn’t look too bad a lie.


02:34 PM BST

Scheffler’s tee shot

Finds the first cut on the opening hole. Playing partner Haotong Li’s tee shot finds the fairway. 

Meanwhile, Hatton has given up the birdie at the first with a bogey at the par-five second. His drive found the bunker and it was catch-up from there on in. Ouch. 


02:30 PM BST

Think this might be drive of the day

Daniel Berger drives the green (via Aaron Rai’s bag) at the 17th...


02:28 PM BST

Both Rory and Fitzpatrick go long

With their approaches at the first, the former at the back of the green, the latter over the back. 


02:25 PM BST

Conditions are great for low scoring

Sunny and still, there is definitely a score out there, especially on the front nine. 


02:22 PM BST

Rory’s tee shot

Finds the fairway having taken an iron. As he swings some wit in the crowd shouts ‘may the force be with you Rory’. At least it wasn’t ‘mashed potato’.

Playing partner Fitzpatrick finds the left rough with his opening shot. 


02:20 PM BST

It’s time for Rory

And yes, I am aware that having had a minor pop at Americans for always calling Mickelson ‘Phil’ me calling McIlroy ‘Rory’ is somewhat ironic, or at least lacking in self-awareness, please forgive me...

Anyway, can the world No 2 make a move and at least give Scheffler something to think about?

Remember Faldo was six back of Norman at the 1996 Masters...BUT if the American collapses in the same way as the Australian did at Augusta I will give you all a million pounds...


02:16 PM BST

Hatton with birdie at the first

The bearded wonder (as I reckon some may call him) stiffed his approach to two feet at the tricky opener to move to nine under. He is now only five back of Scheffler...


02:10 PM BST

Great final round from Mickelson

Or ‘Phil’ as ALL US media people seemingly (by law) have to call him. The LIV lefty carded a bogey-free four-under 67 to end on one over. That, as much as anything, illustrates there is a good score to get out there today. 


01:57 PM BST

Magic from Fleetwood

Tommy Fleetwood finds another birdie – his fourth of the day. The Englishman gets to six under for the tournament, where he joins a host of players including fellow compatriot Lee Westwood.

Meanwhile, Robert MacIntyre begins his final round where he splits the fairway with his opening tee shot.

In normal circumstances, shooting a round of 70 in the third round might not have been too bad but with such a low scoring on Saturday, means he starts eight shots behind leader Scottie Scheffler.


01:47 PM BST

Westwood gets a birdie

After a brilliant back nine from Lee Westwood in round three, it has been slow start for the Englishman. It has taken him two holes longer than his compatriots in the group behind him to find a first birdie of his final round. 

He finds it courtesy of a three at the par-four fourth. That moves him to six under for the tournament.


01:41 PM BST

Birdie for Rose

Justin Rose stuck his tee shot to the par-three third within six feet, before knocking a birdie putt.

Meanwhile, fellow Englishman Harry Hall is set for a decent finish at Royal Portrush. He has matched Rose by scoring through three holes and is also at seven under.


01:38 PM BST

Lowry: Hard to see Scheffler not winning

Shane Lowry speaking to Sky Sports Golf after his round of 66:

“I’d say it [leading my four heading into final day] was probably a bigger challenge for me than Scottie today.

“It’s unbelievable how good he is. He doesn’t do anything wrong, even when he does he gets himself out of trouble.

“He’s putting great this week. All the expectation is on him.

“I said to Rory last night hopefully he can get off to a good start and have the crowd on his side and you never know what can happen, but it’s hard to not see Scottie winning from here.

“If Scottie shoots three or four under he won’t be caught.”


01:35 PM BST

Fitzpatrick hoping to join exclusive club

Matt Fitzpatrick is bidding to become the third man after Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy to win the silver medal and the Claret Jug.

He tees off at 2.30pm alongside McIlroy.

Meanwhile, incredible moment at the 16th, with Matthew Jordan’s chip and run across the green. That takes him to two under for the round and the tournament.


01:29 PM BST

Some big names are entering the fray

1:40pm: Rasmus Hoejgaard (Den), Robert MacIntyre

1:50pm: Russell Henley (USA), Nicolai Hoejgaard (Den)

2pm: Tyrrell Hatton, Xander Schauffele (USA)

2.10pm: Harris English (USA), Chris Gotterup (USA)

2:20pm: Matthew Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy

2:30pm: Haotong Li (Chn), Scottie Scheffler (USA)


01:25 PM BST

Rose and Westwood start with pars

After a difficult end to round three, which saw him card 68, Justin Rose starts his very-outside bid for glory with an opening par the first.

Rose will be a little disappointed as he had a reasonable chance for birdie but his seven-footer slipped past the cup. 

Meanwhile, Lee Westwood recorded a par at the par-five second after finding the rough with his second shot.


01:19 PM BST

Who is going to win the Claret Jug?

Another major success for Scottie Scheffler? Or can Rory McIlroy embrace the Portrush crowd and win the Claret Jug?

Have your say by casting your vote below.


01:14 PM BST

Lowry ends special round

What a reception from the 2019 champion as he walks down the final fairway. His tee shot is on the left-hand slope for his third shot on the par-four 18th and he nearly sank it. Oh so close, the ball crashed into the flag and it kept rolling out. 

That would have been a special end to a fine round from the Irishman. He will have to settle five-under for his final round which puts him on two under for the tournament.


01:05 PM BST

Cruel luck for Lowry

What a shame for Shane Lowry!

He had done everything right for another birdie at the 17th but the ball somehow clipped both left and right at edge of the cup.

One more hole to go then to get to six under for his impressive final round.


12:52 PM BST

Bogey for Fleetwood

Oh Tommy . . . .

The Englishman’s hopes of consecutive birdies were undone by a messy approach to the fourth hole from the fairway. 

He called ‘fore’ very quickly as the ball went right. A brilliant rescue chip but he couldn’t make the putt for par.


12:45 PM BST

Course update

Shame Lowry’s performance remains the standout so far at five under through 15, while Maverick McNealy who made a good start this morning, has dropped to just one under for the day through eight.

Meanwhile, 2013 Open Champion Phil Mickelson has nearly finished his round. Mickelson is currently four under for the round and one over for the tournament.


12:39 PM BST

Fleetwood on the move

Brilliant work from Tommy Fleetwood at the third. His tee shot landed 21-foot from the pin at the 180-yard par three.

His playing partner Justin Thomas carded a bogey, so he is back to three under where he started. 

Meanwhile, ahead at the fourth, Bryson DeChambeau secured his second birdie of the round to get to four under.


12:35 PM BST

Glorious day at Royal Portrush

Another glorious day at Royal Portrush. Sun is shining. Barely any wind. Great for spectators. Not so great for those hoping to see Scheffler trip up, I suspect. This really is a stunning bit of coastline. Did Parkrun yesterday morning (2.5km along Portrush beach, to a turning point just below the 5th green/6th tee box, and then 2.5km back again, all on sand at low tide) and then a walk to Giant’s Causeway today, which was beautiful. Been a great week.


12:33 PM BST

First birdie for Rahm

Jon Rahm is now one under for his round after recording his first birdie of the day at the par-three fifth. Rahm had another look at a birdie on the sixth from a decent distance, but the ball ran by on the low side before he settles for par.


12:26 PM BST

Haotong Li’s stunning return


12:22 PM BST

Fitzpatrick aiming for glory today

English fans will hope Matt Fitzpatrick can end the 33-year-wait for another English winner at The Open. 

Fitzpatrick will begin his round five back on Scottie Scheffler after his third round 71 and a low-scoring day to have any chance of catching the world No 1.


12:19 PM BST

Dechambeau finds first birdie

Here we go, the first birdie of the round for Bryson DeChambeau at the par-three third after dropping his iron within six foot off the pin.The American is currently three under for the tournament.

Meanwhile, hole in one star John Parry begins his final round. The Englishman secured the only hole in one so far in this Championship in 2025. It came during a brilliant round of 67 and meant Parry plays alongside US Open Champion JJ Spaun. 

Parry found the rough off his opening tee shot but has recovered well to get it to the back of the green with his second.


12:06 PM BST

Fleetwood is under way

Tommy Fleetwood begins his final round alongside Justin Thomas  – these two  have featured in the same group four times out four. 

Fleetwood’s tee shot is down the left-hand side of the fairway with a iron shot. Meanwhile, his playing partner Justin Thomas finds the cut of light rough on the right.


11:54 AM BST

Brilliant from Lowry

Another brilliant putt from Shane Lowry, this time across the green at 28 feet away on the par-five 12th. He is five under for his round and he is barely missing anything out there now after the difficulties he faced in rounds two and three.

He has another birdie change on the par-three 13th. Can he convert it?

Not quite this time, as his latest birdie attempt is a little left of the cup. But, there are still more chances for the Irishman over his final final holes on this form. The Irishman is hot with the putter right now!


11:50 AM BST

Decent start for Rahm

Jon Rahm has just gone par-par through the first two holes.

Meanwhile, the cameras have just turned to Scottie Scheffler, who has arrived at the course. Is this the day that Scheffler secures the third leg of the career major grand slam? 

He will certainly hope so – he tees off at 2.30pm alongside China’s Haotong Li.


11:41 AM BST

Who’s out early in the final round?

Shane Lowry began his final round at 9:00am and is currently one under. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau began his round at 11:30 – paired with Nathan Kimsey. 

It has been an eventful week for DeChambeau after his first three rounds of 78, 65 and 68. He has hit his tee shot at the first into the rough on the right-hand side but has found the green with his second which gives him a slim opportunity of an opening birdie.

There is plenty to stay glued to today across the pairings. Full final round tee times can be found here.


11:33 AM BST

Any guesses as to who this fan supports?


11:28 AM BST

Garcia breaks his driver

Having already gone left off the first time, Sergio Garcia let frustration get the better of him after hooking it again off the second.

Because he broke the club out of frustration, he can’t replace it this round. So, it will be a long day for the Spaniard.

Meanwhile, fellow Open champion Phil Mickelson is two under for his round through 10 while fellow winners Henrik Stenson, Jordan Spieth, and Franceso Molinari – who took the Claret Jug between 2016 and 2018 respectively – are all out on course.


11:18 AM BST

McIlroy arrives at the course

Here we go, Rory McIlroy has arrived at the course ahead of his 14:20 tee time. He is in conservation with fellow past Open champion Darren Clarke. Can McIlroy surge up the leaderboard and challenge Scheffler? The Portrush crowd will certainly hope so.

The Masters champion starts six behind Scheffler.


11:15 AM BST

Lowry’s surge continues

Shane Lowry has started this round superbly! The putter is certainly working right now for Lowry as he reaches the turn in 32.

He finds the green with his second this time, around 22 feet away and it is the same result as the previous hole – birdie.

That is three in a row now, putting the 2019 champions back under par.


11:11 AM BST

What’s the weather forecast looking like?

Conditions right now at Royal Portrush seem perfect for these early starters. 

It is warm and there is barely any wind around and it’s about as benign as links golf tends to offer.


11:04 AM BST

Preview: Flawless Scheffler leads at the Open but McIlroy threat remains

Good morning and welcome to Telegraph Sport’s final round coverage of the 2025 Open Championship from Royal Portrush.

Relentless Scottie Scheffler kept his head as others around him were losing theirs, but while his main rivals fell away, the spectre of Rory McIlroy loomed in the distance.

However, the Northern Irishman’s six-shot deficit may be too far back even for someone who completed the career Grand Slam at the Masters earlier this year, considering the quality of his quarry.

McIlroy’s description of Scheffler as “inevitable” summed up the situation perfectly, as while the American was not as spectacular as he was on Friday in assuming the lead, his progress to a 67 and a four-shot advantage was serene.

Matt Fitzpatrick, who began the day one behind, briefly drew level after an eagle at the second but he was never able to edge himself in front, and every time he slipped up he was punished by his playing partner, either by moving another shot away or saving an unlikely par.

McIlroy, six groups ahead, rode the wave of home support hyped by three birdies in his first four holes, and while his momentum stalled it was reignited by a monster 56-foot eagle putt - his longest of the week - at the 12th which produced the loudest roar of the tournament.

It was important as he had bogeyed the previous hole in a bizarre incident when his shot from the rough dislodged a previously buried ball.

But it was a stroke of good luck at the 15th which brought his final birdie of the day as, coming out hot from the rough, it bounced against the flagstick and dropped four feet from the hole.

McIlroy mania reached its peak at the 17th. With his burnt orange shirt appearing red on television screens, the sight of him marching out of the packed gallery surrounded by thousands of fans was reminiscent of Tiger Woods.

The crowd were so ramped they went wild as he pitched 33 feet past the hole, offering little chance of birdie, but they believed – as they will continue to do on Sunday.

The Masters champion, however, is a little more realistic.

“Scottie Scheffler, he is inevitable. Even when he doesn’t have his best stuff he has become a compete player,” said McIlroy.

“It’s going to be tough to catch him tomorrow if he keeps playing the way he does, but if I can get out tomorrow with a similar start to today and get the crowd going, hopefully he feels that behind me – and you never know.”

Scheffler looks unshakeable, though. Already with a three-shot lead, he birdied the difficult Calamity Corner 16th for the third successive day and the gap was looking as big as the chasm in front of the par three.

China’s ultra-consistent Haotong Li is his closest challenger, with Fitzpatrick dropping back to nine under – where he started the round – having reached 11 under.

Scheffler reeled off six straight pars but still did not lose his overnight lead before a back-to-back eagle and birdie represented a gear shift.

His back nine included eight pars, and the kind of nerveless saves which have made him one of the most successful and consistent golfers of the last three years – closing out victory the last 10 times he has held the outright 54-hole leads.

“A lot of it is staying patient. I know what I need to do tomorrow and it is a matter of going out and doing it,” said Scheffler, whose three majors wins have all come leading after the third round.

“I’m not thinking about winning The Open when I go to sleep tonight.”

Englishman Tyrrell Hatton got himself to nine under but a bogey at the 16th halted his progress, while slightly further down the leaderboard 52-year-old compatriot Lee Westwood had a round of two halves, going out in 40 before an Open record-equalling 29 for the back nine.

“It was a good back nine, wasn’t it? I’d have taken 29 on the back nine stood on the 10th tee,” he said.

Defending champion Xander Schauffele, who started the day two under having been in danger of missing the cut until a birdie run on his Friday back nine, played the three par-fives in five under with two eagles on the back nine after a birdie at the second.

His 66 moved him to seven under but the two-time major winner accepts he is too far back.

“It would have to be a perfect storm situation, it doesn’t look like any of those boys up front are letting up,” he said.

Category: General Sports