Scottie Scheffler of the United States. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/R&A/R&A via Getty Images)
In a stunning performance at Royal Portrush on Sunday, Scottie Scheffler secured his first Claret Jug with a dominant four-stroke victory. Scheffler began the final round with a comfortable lead and quickly asserted control, sinking birdies on three of his opening five holes to stretch his advantage to seven strokes.
Despite encountering a brief stumble with a double bogey on the eighth hole, Scheffler recovered impressively, making two crucial birdies in his final 10 holes and closing the tournament at 17-under-par for total 267. His steady play proved unassailable, leaving runner-up Harris English, another American, trailing at 13-under 271.
Scheffler had three strong rounds – 68, 64, and 67 – which had already placed him four strokes ahead of Li Haotong at the start of Sunday. Big names like Matt Fitzpatrick, Rory McIlroy, and Tyrrell Hatton were unable to mount a late charge, allowing Scheffler to maintain his dominance.
Opening the day with a perfect tee shot and sinking a three-foot birdie putt, Scheffler set the tone from the outset. After Li briefly kept pace, Scheffler surged ahead again with additional birdies on the fourth and fifth holes, increasing his cushion as the rest of the field struggled to respond. Even when his lead was trimmed by the double bogey on eight, he regrouped swiftly, birdying the ninth and 12th holes before settling into a run of pars that sealed the win.
By finishing unruffled with six consecutive pars to close, Scheffler brought home his first Open title, bringing him within one major of a career Grand Slam, a feat only accomplished by seven golfers in history.
Post-round, the world number one expressed his gratitude: “Thank you to the fans … I know I wasn’t the fan favourite today, but I appreciate you guys for coming out to support. It was a ton of fun to play here. I’d like to thank my family. I couldn’t do anything without you. I can’t wait to get home and celebrate.”
Harris English celebrated his own breakthrough as his best major finish, with fellow American Chris Gotterup securing solo third on 12-under-par 272. Wyndham Clark, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Li Haotong tied for fourth on total 11-under-par 273. Li’s score should guarantee him a spot in next year’s Masters. Closing out the top ten were Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, and defending champion Xander Schauffele at 10-under-par 274, with Bryson DeChambeau finishing just behind at nine under, among three others.
