Scottie Scheffler extended his commanding lead at The Open Championship, finishing the third round with a bogey-free score of 67, bringing his total to 14-under par. The world’s number one golfer showcased remarkable precision at Royal Portrush, particularly at the treacherous 16th hole, known as Calamity Corner. With just one round remaining, Scheffler holds a four-shot advantage over his nearest competitors, putting him in a strong position to secure his first Claret Jug.
Scheffler’s performance included an impressive eagle at the par-five seventh hole, further solidifying his status as the tournament favorite. The 29-year-old has not dropped a shot since recording a bogey on the 11th hole during his record-low round of 64 on Friday. “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,” he explained to reporters.
At this juncture, a victory would not only earn Scheffler the prestigious Claret Jug but also put him one major title away from completing a career grand slam, joining the likes of Rory McIlroy. Scheffler has successfully converted his last seven 54-hole leads on the PGA Tour, including all three major tournaments he has led, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable competitor in high-pressure situations. “I’m excited for the challenge of tomorrow,” he noted, as the anticipation builds for the final round.
Challengers Emerge
Haotong Li and Matt Fitzpatrick are the closest challengers, trailing Scheffler as they aim to close the gap. Li, currently ranked 11th in the world, made a commendable comeback from struggles earlier in his career, including a bout with the yips. His third-round score of 69 puts him at 10-under par, just four shots behind Scheffler. Reflecting on his journey, Li remarked, “I don’t know. It’s a miracle,” as he prepares to compete alongside the top-ranked golfer.
Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, sits at nine-under overall after a round of even-par 71. While he enjoyed a remarkable chip-in eagle, he also faced challenges with his putting, which he acknowledged after the round. “Just made way less putts than Scottie … they just wouldn’t go in,” Fitzpatrick said, highlighting the difference in their performances.
McIlroy’s Eventful Day
Local favorite Rory McIlroy is also in contention, currently six shots off the lead at six-under par. McIlroy’s round of 66 included both highlights and unusual moments, such as discovering a hidden ball while navigating thick rough on the 11th hole. “That is the most weird, ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen,” he commented, reflecting on the bizarre circumstances of the day.
Despite the challenges, McIlroy managed to regain momentum with a stunning eagle putt from 56 feet on the 12th hole. He acknowledged the difficulty of catching up to Scheffler, stating, “He’s just so solid, he doesn’t make mistakes.” Joining McIlroy in a tie for fourth are England’s Tyrrell Hatton, as well as American players Chris Gotterup and Harris English.
As the competitors gear up for the final round of The Open Championship on July 16, 2023, all eyes will be on Scottie Scheffler, who appears poised to capture another major title while the chasing pack hopes to mount a challenge against the world number one. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this prestigious tournament.
