ST. ANDREWS — Scottie Scheffler extended his lead to four strokes at the 152nd Open Championship, carding a third-round 68 to move to 15-under par, while Rory McIlroy surged into contention with a scintillating 65 to reignite hopes of ending his decade-long major drought.
Scheffler's Commanding Performance
The world No. 1 displayed his trademark consistency at the Old Course, mixing five birdies with a lone bogey to maintain control of the tournament. Scheffler’s iron play was impeccable, hitting 16 of 18 greens in regulation. "I’m just trying to stay patient out there," Scheffler said. "The conditions were tricky with the wind picking up, but I kept giving myself chances."
Key moments from Scheffler’s round:
- A 25-foot birdie putt at the 5th to kickstart his momentum
- A clutch par save from the Road Hole bunker at 17
- A closing birdie at 18 after threading a 6-iron through the Valley of Sin
McIlroy's Electrifying Charge
Rory McIlroy delivered the round of the day, firing seven birdies in a bogey-free 65 to leap into solo second at 11-under. The Northern Irishman’s putter caught fire, including a 40-footer at the 9th that brought the galleries to their feet. "That’s as good as I’ve felt over the putter in years," McIlroy beamed. "When the first few dropped, I knew it could be a special day."
Turning Point at the Loop
McIlroy’s charge gained steam through St. Andrews’ famed back nine:
- Precision wedge to 3 feet at the 10th
- A daring driver over the corner at 12 leading to eagle putt
- Back-to-back birdies at 14 and 15 with putts from off the green
Chasing Pack Stays in Touch
Viktor Hovland (69) and Cameron Young (71) share third at 10-under, while Shane Lowry’s 68 moved him to 9-under. Defending champion Cameron Smith lurks at 8-under after a rollercoaster 70 featuring:
- A holed bunker shot at 6
- A double bogey at 13 after finding the gorse
Tiger Woods provided the emotional highlight, making the cut on the number before grinding out a 73. "This place means everything to me," said Woods, who received standing ovations at every hole. "To play the weekend here one more time is special."
Weather Could Play Final Round Wildcard
Forecasts predict strengthening winds (25+ mph) for Sunday’s finale, which could test Scheffler’s lead. The Texan has won four of his last five 54-hole leads, but McIlroy thrives in tough conditions:
- 2014 Open winner at Hoylake in high winds
- Leads the field in strokes gained off-the-tee this week
Local caddie David Renwick, who looped for Paul Lawrie’s 1999 comeback win, noted: "St. Andrews can turn in a heartbeat when the wind gets up. Four shots can disappear faster than you’d think, especially with Rory in this form."
Final Round Storylines
All eyes will be on the penultimate pairing of Scheffler and McIlroy, their first final-round duel in a major. Key questions:
- Can Scheffler complete the career Grand Slam at 26?
- Will McIlroy’s Sunday major demons resurface?
- Could Hovland’s steady play steal the Claret Jug?
Scheffler remained characteristically composed: "I’m not going to change anything. Just keep hitting fairways and greens, let the rest take care of itself." McIlroy, meanwhile, embraced the challenge: "I’ve waited eight years to feel this buzz in a major. Bring on tomorrow."
With Scheffler’s machine-like precision facing McIlroy’s explosive talent—and the Old Course’s fickle winds waiting to intervene—Sunday promises a heavyweight clash worthy of golf’s oldest championship.
