In the ongoing battle for the coveted Claret Jug, Scottie Scheffler showcased his exceptional skills by making his third birdie of the week on the challenging 16th hole at Royal Portrush. With a perfectly executed long iron shot, Scheffler expertly navigated one of the hardest holes in the tournament, positioning the ball just below the hole. He converted that putt, bringing his score to an impressive 14 under, and briefly extending his lead to four strokes. However, Haotong Li responded by sinking a birdie on the 17th, bringing him to 11 under and applying some pressure on Scheffler.
As the rounds progressed, Matt Fitzpatrick made significant strides by securing a birdie on the par-4 15th, narrowing the gap to three strokes behind Scheffler at 13 under. Known for his stellar finishes, Scheffler has consistently excelled in closing rounds, and this week has been no exception. He has played the final three holes in an impressive 4 under over the first two days. As he heads into the final stretch of the tournament, Scheffler aims for another robust finish to solidify his position at the top.
In a remarkable display of skill, Northern Ireland's own Rory McIlroy finished the day strong with a superb round of 66 during Moving Day. This performance, the second-best of the day, propelled him to the clubhouse with a score that included a thrilling eagle on the 12th hole. Despite a bogey on the 11th, McIlroy maintained his composure and finished 5 under for the day, placing him tied for fifth on the leaderboard, five strokes behind Scheffler.
Former world No. 1, Lee Westwood, came close to making history but settled for a share of the low nine-hole score in Open Championship history. After a rough start, he found his rhythm on the back nine, hitting six birdies against three pars to finish with a score of 69.
Scottie Scheffler faced a challenging moment on the 11th hole when a mishit iron shot left him in the rough. However, he displayed incredible skill, managing to recover and make par from what seemed like an impossible position. Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick struggled with a bogey, allowing Scheffler to maintain a three-stroke lead.
Rory McIlroy continued to push forward, adding another birdie on the 15th hole after a fortunate bounce off the flagstick. This brought him to 8 under for the tournament, still five shots behind Scottie Scheffler. McIlroy’s performance has been electric, showcasing his prowess at Royal Portrush.
Amidst the cheers and the pressure, Scottie Scheffler has maintained an impressive level of play. After a slow start, he excelled on the front nine, completing it in 3 under and establishing a two-stroke lead. With his ability to hit 8 of 9 greens in regulation, Scheffler is demonstrating why he is a top contender for the title.
Scheffler reclaimed the solo lead with an eagle on the par-5 7th hole, bringing his score to 12 under. His precise iron shot set him up perfectly, allowing him to establish a clear lead over Fitzpatrick and the rest of the field, with McIlroy trailing at 7 under.
Rory McIlroy encountered one of the most bizarre situations of the tournament when he inadvertently struck two balls on one swing. After a wayward drive, he found himself in a challenging position but managed to maintain his focus, showcasing his resilience.
Tyrrell Hatton entertained the crowd with a jovial attitude despite a rocky start. He managed to sink an eagle on the par-5 7th hole, pushing his score to 8 under for the championship, proving that he is a serious contender.
Russell Henley delivered an impressive performance, matching the low round of the day with a 65. His remarkable play, highlighted by an eagle on the 12th hole, positioned him in a tie for 4th on the leaderboard, just four shots behind the leaders.
In a competitive atmosphere, Matt Fitzpatrick tied Scottie Scheffler for the lead at -10 after a chip-in eagle. As the tournament progresses, the competition intensifies, with Rory McIlroy trailing closely at -6 and looking to make a move as well.
