Golf
Scheffler pulls clear at The Open, leads by four heading into final day─── MORGAN PIEK 08:11 Sun, 20 Jul 2025
Scottie Scheffler of the USA is a major step closer to becoming the first world number one in 16 years to win The Open Championship, currently being played at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.
The world number one heads into the final round holding a four-stroke lead on 14-under-par.
On Saturday, Scheffler carded a solid four-under-par 67 to maintain his place at the top of the leaderboard for a second consecutive day.
Scheffler, aiming to add The Open to his growing list of accolades, reflected calmly on the pressure ahead of the final round.
“I feel like I’ve been in a good headspace all week. Tomorrow’s just another day – the job’s not done yet, but I’m excited for the challenge.”
The last world number one to win the Open was Tiger Woods back in 2006 at Royal Liverpool.
Li Haotong of China remains in contention after a third-round two-under-par 69, but he trails Scheffler by four shots on 10-under-par.
Matt Fitzpatrick of England is five shots off the pace following a level-par 71 on Saturday, leaving him at 9-under-par heading into the final day.
Masters champion and local favourite Rory McIlroy surged up the leaderboard with a brilliant five-under-par 66 in the third round. He is tied for fourth on 8-under-par alongside Tyrrell Hatton of England, Harris English of the USA, and fellow American Chris Gotterup, the Scottish Open winner.
McIlroy said he feels that he has at least given himself a chance on Sunday following his solid round. “It was incredible. It was so much fun,” he said.
“I got off to the perfect start, 3-under through 4. I felt like at the end of the front nine there, at least through 11, the par on 7 felt like a bogey, and then the bogey on 11.
“Then to play those last seven holes at 3-under, I thought was a good effort. Yeah, I played well. I rode my luck at times, but yeah, it was an incredible atmosphere out there. I feel like I've at least given myself half a chance tomorrow.”
Christiaan Bezuidenhout. Photo: Sunshine Tour
South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who shared the first-round lead, bounced back after a difficult second round with a composed two-under-par 69 on Saturday, moving him to 4-under and tied for 22nd. While a win on Sunday may be out of reach, he will no doubt have his sights set on finishing inside the top 10.
Compatriot Thriston Lawrence shot a steady three-under-par 68 to climb into a tie for 34th on two-under.
Meanwhile, former Bloemfontein professional Dean Burmester endured a tough day, dropping five shots to slip down the leaderboard to a tie for 66th on five-over-par.
