Dominant World No. 1 Scotty Scheffler took a four-shot lead in the final round of the British Open on Sunday, with local hero Rory McIlroy praying for a miracle.
McIlroy called the brilliance of American rivals “inevitable” in his first three days at Royal Portrush.
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When leading on the 54-hole stage, Schaeffler wins his final nine tournaments, requiring an unexpected collapse or billing from the chase pack.
Li Haotong is the closest challenger under the age of 10 as he aims for history by becoming the first Chinese to win a major.
Matthew Fitzpatrick will sit third on five shots from the lead after stumbling over the back nine on Saturday.
McIlroy looks like a major threat to a mild Sunday afternoon for Scheffler as Masters Champion attempts to ride a wave of support on a course that is just over 60 miles from where he took his first step in the game just outside Belfast.
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Tens of thousands of fans were already on the course on Sunday mornings, and we were eagerly waiting to see if McIlroy could produce some spectacular fees.
For most of Saturday, the crowd following every move by McIlroy was caught in delight.
His opening four holes three birdies and 12th eagle mounted the world’s No. 2 in 66 rounds and fourth-place share.
However, the 2014 British Open champions remained six shots from the lead. Even if he recognizes it, it’s difficult to bridge the line considering Schaeffler’s class.
“Scotty Schaeffler is inevitable. Even when he doesn’t have the best, he’s a perfect player,” McIlroy said.
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“He plays like Scotty, and I don’t think that’s a surprise. Everybody has seen the way he plays and plays over the last two or three years. He’s very solid. He doesn’t make any mistakes.”
-Schaeffler is “fulfilled” –
Schaeffler frowned at pre-tournament media duties, stating that despite his success and standing in the match, he “is not a fulfilling life” despite his success.
“It feels like I’m working for a lifetime to celebrate winning a tournament for a few minutes, and it only lasts a few minutes.
However, it’s hard to see Schaeffler being taken away from some of his blissful moments coming to the 18th green on the Causeway Coast.
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The victory won the British Open while he became second only to Tiger Woods and ranked number one in the world.
His 10 consecutive top-10 finishes will also continue. This is a run that includes victory in three tournaments.
That level of consistency led to comparisons with Woods’ heyday, even though Schaeffler remained somehow separate from the latter 15 majors.
“He’s an exceptional player. He’s the number one in the world and we’re looking at something like Tiger,” said his performance partner Fitzpatrick on Saturday.
But that hype doesn’t seem to matter to the men on the course that brings to lift a claret jug for the first time.
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“It’s not easy to win a major championship. I put myself in a good position,” Schaeffler said.
“If you enter tomorrow, you’ll step up on the first tee. You’re about to get the ball on the fairway, and when you get to the second shot, you’re going to get that ball to green.
“There’s not too much else.”
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