Scottie Scheffler, the world’s No. 1 golfer, put on an incredible performance on Friday at the Royal Portrush course, posting his career-lowest major round to surge into a one-shot lead heading into the weekend at The Open Championship.
His seven-under 64, fueled by eight birdies, set the pace for the rest of the field, as he continued to show the form that has made him the tournament favorite.
Scheffler’s Record-Breaking Round
The 29-year-old American’s brilliant round eclipsed his previous major career low, a 65 at the PGA Championship in May, where he went on to win his third major title.
Although his bid for a third consecutive birdie at the final hole came up inches short, Scheffler’s round left him at 10-under par overall, a full stroke ahead of his closest rival, Matt Fitzpatrick.
Despite struggling in past Open appearances, Scheffler seems to have found his rhythm this year, where unpredictable weather, including heavy rain, didn’t stop him from capitalizing on favorable conditions.
“Fortunately, it didn’t pour the whole time,” Scheffler said of the weather. “We only had maybe four or five holes where it was really coming down, and I was able to take advantage of the holes where we had some good weather.”
Matt Fitzpatrick’s Charge
England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, isn’t far behind, sitting just one stroke off the lead with a solid 66. Fitzpatrick’s performance, including four straight birdies after the turn, signals a return to his best form after a rough patch.
The world No. 59, who has struggled since his last win in October 2023, believes he is now in a great position to challenge Scheffler for the title. Fitzpatrick acknowledged the pressure on the world No. 1 but noted that it was a great opportunity for him, given his recent improvement.
“I wouldn’t say I necessarily feel as much pressure… He’s going to have the expectation to go out and dominate,” Fitzpatrick said, acknowledging Scheffler’s exceptional talent.
The Chasing Pack: Harman and Li
American Brian Harman and China’s Haotong Li lead the charge behind Scheffler. Harman shot a bogey-free 65, a repeat of his second-round performance from two years ago when he went on to win at Royal Liverpool. Harman has a strong history at the Open, and after his commanding victory in 2021, he’ll be looking to repeat his success.
Li, the world No. 111, followed up with a 67 and is full of confidence despite lacking a major victory. Li’s history at The Open, including a stunning third-place finish at Royal Birkdale in 2017, gives him the belief he can challenge for the title.
Known for his confidence, Li even had a wedge inscribed with the words, “Haotong is the most handsome man in China.”
“I think if I play my best, I can compete with anyone,” Li said, exuding belief ahead of the weekend’s rounds.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau’s Pursuit
Home hero Rory McIlroy showed resilience after struggling off the tee to shoot 69, which improved his standing to three-under par, seven strokes behind Scheffler. McIlroy, who failed to make the cut at Royal Portrush in 2019, is determined to secure a sixth career major and will need his game to be firing on all cylinders over the weekend.
“I’m going to need to have it all under control and have it all firing over the weekend to make a run,” McIlroy said.
Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau, after a disappointing 78 in his first round, mounted a comeback with a stunning 65. DeChambeau, who has struggled to adapt his power-driven game to links courses, found himself in a battle for the cut line but now sits at one-over par overall, with a real chance to make a push for the weekend.
“I woke up this morning and said, ‘You know what, I can’t give up,’” DeChambeau said. “My dad always told me never to give up, to keep going, and that’s what I did today.”
A Weekend Full of Drama
As the weekend approaches, several big names, including 2021 Open winner Collin Morikawa, 2022 champion Cameron Smith, and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka, have already been eliminated, marking a dramatic shake-up in the field.
With Scheffler leading the way, Fitzpatrick and the chasing pack will have to dig deep to challenge for the title in what promises to be an exciting weekend of golf.
