Scottie Scheffler takes grip of Open as Rory McIlroy charges up leaderboard

World number one Scottie Scheffler’s continued consistency opened up a two-shot lead midway through his third round of The Open but looming over his shoulder was spectre of Rory McIlroy.

The American reeled off six straight pars but still did not lose his overnight lead – with Matt Fitzpatrick briefly joining him 10 under – before an eagle and birdie opened up a gap.

Fitzpatrick remained his main challenger, two back, reaching the turn in a two-under 34 but six holes ahead of them McIlroy was producing one of his thrilling charges.

Biding his time.

After six pars, Scottie has an eagle in round three. pic.twitter.com/y8JK4KwhjX

— The Open (@TheOpen) July 19, 2025

The Northern Irishman had got off to a flying start with three birdies in his first four holes but, after a bizarre incident on the 11th when he hit out of the rough and dislodged a previously-buried ball, a bogey meant his challenge appeared to have stalled.

That was about the same time Scheffler eagled the seventh and the distance to the top was seven strokes.

However, on a Royal Portrush course where he shot 61 as a 16-year-old and backed by huge galleries, Masters champion McIlroy responded by draining a 56ft putt – his longest of the week – at the 12th to get back to seven under and still in contention.

HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THIS BEFORE?!