Rory McIlroy has ‘half a chance’ of glory but sees Scottie Scheffler’s strength

Masters champion Rory McIlroy accepts even his considerable talents may not be enough to reel in a six-shot gap to world number one Scottie Scheffler on the final day of The Open at Royal Portrush.

A third-round 66 lifted McIlroy to eight under par but he was always playing catch up to the American, whose 67 saw him extend his overnight lead to four – with the Northern Irishman a further two adrift.

McIlroy rode the wave of local support, enjoying the experience of having him here for all four days after he missed the cut in 2019, and in a feverish atmosphere there were times when it looked like he might produce something truly special.

It's ridiculous. It's Rory.

Royal Portrush will remember this one. pic.twitter.com/VKSnyvBsse

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 19, 2025

Three birdies in his opening four holes would have had some considering whether, in their wildest dreams, he could replicate the 61 he shot here as a 16-year-old but a major championship is a different prospect and he just could not sustain the momentum.

“It was incredible, it was so much fun. I got off to the perfect start, three-under through four,” he said.

“To play those last seven holes at three-under I thought was a good effort. I played well, I rode my luck at times, but I feel like I’ve at least given myself half a chance tomorrow.

“But he’s playing like Scottie. I don’t think it’s a surprise. Everyone’s seen the way he’s played or plays over the last two or three years.

“He’s just so solid. He doesn’t make mistakes. He’s turned himself into a really consistent putter as well so there doesn’t seem to be any weakness there.

“Whenever you’re trying to chase down a guy like that, it’s hard to do. But he’s incredibly impressive.”

The first four holes were