World No 1 Scottie Scheffler powered to a dominant four-stroke victory to claim his first Open title at Royal Portrush on Sunday, sealing a fourth Major crown with a composed final-round 68.
Scheffler’s three under score saw him finish on 17 under par for the tournament, having carded rounds in the 60s on all four days. It marked his 10th consecutive win when holding a 54-hole lead.
The American opened his round with three birdies in the first five holes and never looked back, overcoming a double-bogey at the 8th with birdies at the 9th and par-five 12th. He parred the remainder to collect the Claret Jug and complete the third leg of a potential career Grand Slam.
Scheffler joined Tiger Woods as only the second world No 1 to win The Open, and now boasts four wins in his last 11 top-10 finishes.
Harris English, runner-up at this year’s PGA Championship, again had to settle for second after a closing 66 left him on 13 under. Chris Gotterup, fresh off his Scottish Open victory, finished third on 12 under after a 67.
Home favourite Rory McIlroy tied for seventh on 10 under, with his hopes undone by a double-bogey at the par-four 10th.
South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who showed early promise, closed with a one-over 72 for a three-under total to finish tie-34th alongside Spain’s Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia. Bezuidenhout made two birdies and three bogeys.
Compatriot Thriston Lawrence carded a one-under 72 to finish on two over for the championship, while Dean Burmester faded with a three-over 74.
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Photo: Richard Heathcote Getty Images
Article Link: World No 1 Scheffler cruises to first Open title