ROYAL PORTRUSH — Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, is on the verge of securing his fourth major championship and his first outside the United States. After a dominant performance in the first three rounds of The Open at Royal Portrush, Scheffler holds a commanding lead, leaving the chasing pack scrambling to find a way to reel him in. The question on everyone’s mind: Is The Open already over, or can someone mount a historic comeback to deny Scheffler?
Scheffler’s Unstoppable Form
Scheffler’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. With three PGA Tour wins, including the Masters and the Players Championship, he has solidified his status as the best golfer in the world. His precision off the tee, impeccable iron play, and clutch putting have made him nearly unbeatable. At Royal Portrush, Scheffler has been in complete control, carding rounds of 67, 65, and 68 to build a five-shot lead heading into the final round. "He’s playing a different game right now," said his closest competitor, Rory McIlroy. "It’s like he’s on autopilot."
Scheffler’s dominance isn’t just statistical—it’s psychological. His calm demeanor under pressure has become his trademark, and his ability to avoid big mistakes has left little room for his rivals to capitalize. "When you’re playing against Scottie, you know he’s not going to give you anything," said Jon Rahm, who sits six shots back. "You have to go out and take it from him, and that’s easier said than done."
Can the Chasing Pack Mount a Challenge?
History suggests that a five-shot lead in a major is a daunting but not insurmountable deficit. The most famous comeback in Open history came in 1999, when Paul Lawrie erased a 10-shot deficit on the final day at Carnoustie. More recently, in 2022, Cameron Smith overcame a four-shot deficit to win at St. Andrews. However, Scheffler’s current form makes such a scenario seem unlikely. The players trailing him include:
- Rory McIlroy (-10) – The hometown favorite, McIlroy has the crowd behind him but has struggled to close the gap despite solid play.
- Jon Rahm (-9) – A proven major winner, Rahm has the firepower but needs a flawless round.
- Xander Schauffele (-8) – Consistent but lacking the explosive rounds needed to catch Scheffler.
McIlroy, who grew up near Royal Portrush, remains the most likely candidate to challenge Scheffler. "I know what this place means to Rory," said Scheffler. "He’s going to give it everything he’s got, and I expect nothing less."
Weather Could Be a Factor
Forecasts for the final round predict gusty winds and occasional rain, conditions that could level the playing field. Scheffler’s game is built on precision, and adverse weather might introduce an element of unpredictability. "If the wind picks up, anything can happen," said 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen. "Portrush can bite you if you’re not careful."
Scheffler’s Mindset: Stay Aggressive
Despite his lead, Scheffler insists he won’t play defensively. "I’m not going to change my approach," he said after his third round. "The goal is to keep making birdies and force the others to chase me. If I start playing scared, that’s when mistakes happen." His caddie, Ted Scott, echoed that sentiment: "Scottie’s strength is his ability to stay in the moment. He’s not thinking about the trophy—he’s thinking about the next shot."
Conclusion: Is It Over?
While golf is unpredictable, Scheffler’s lead and form make him the overwhelming favorite. The chasing pack will need a combination of Scheffler faltering and a career-best round from one of them to have a chance. "It’s not impossible, but it’s close," admitted McIlroy. "We’re all hoping for a miracle."
For Scheffler, a win would cement his legacy as one of the game’s greats. At just 27, he’s already on pace to join the likes of Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus in major championship history. Barring a collapse of epic proportions, The Open at Royal Portrush looks set to be Scheffler’s coronation.
