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Scheffler ‘masterclass’ seals Open title
For Rory McIlroy, should he still seek his “next Everest,” the example of Open champion Scottie Scheffler looms large.
Even in a season marked by McIlroy completing the career Grand Slam with a Masters victory, alongside a second Players title and the Pebble Beach signature title, he trails Scheffler—now clutching the Claret Jug—by a significant margin.
McIlroy holds the world’s second-best player ranking, and the standings reflect this accurately. Following Scheffler’s dominant victory at Royal Portrush, his points average has surged to 20.52.
McIlroy, who tied for seventh at the Open, trails by 8.96 points. This gap is equivalent to the difference between second place and Max Greyserman, currently ranked 36th.
Overthrowing Scheffler from his top position presents a formidable challenge, and it has become McIlroy’s next major objective.
The 36-year-old from Holywood, County Down, initially struggled to find motivation after his historic Augusta triumph. Winning the Masters and completing the career grand slam had been his ultimate focus.
With the Green Jacket secured, the prospect of an Open in his native Northern Ireland reignited his focus.
As he noted, his Portrush experience delivered nearly everything he desired, save for the Claret Jug.
“That’s simply because one individual performed marginally better than the rest of us,” he acknowledged.
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‘The people’s champion’ – McIlroy receives rapturous reception on the 18th
In reality, no one but Scheffler stood a chance of claiming golf’s most coveted trophy after his exceptional second-round 64.
Reflecting the world rankings, the towering American distinguishes himself by delivering under the greatest pressure. This marks his second major victory of the year, following his compelling triumph at May’s US PGA at Quail Hollow.
While post-championship discussions understandably draw parallels between Scheffler’s current dominance and Tiger Woods’ era, McIlroy remains the most credible contender to challenge his supremacy.
Between June 2011 and August 2014, McIlroy exhibited similar dominance, securing the US Open, US PGA, and The Open.
Like Scheffler, he rapidly amassed four majors, the first two achieved with an eight-stroke lead.
An 11-year major drought followed, unforeseen at the time. However, McIlroy remained a prominent figure in the upper echelons of the sport, enduring frustrating near misses.
He has competed in 67 majors, finishing in the top 10 on 33 occasions.
This remarkable consistency is unmatched by any other active player.
Recognized as an all-time great, one of only six to have won all four majors, McIlroy could rest on his laurels.
However, the question remains: how much remains in his reserves to strive for the world’s top spot?
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The best shots from The Open Championship at Royal Portrush
McIlroy’s enduring commitment suggests his appetite remains undiminished.
He aims to contribute to another away victory in the Ryder Cup this September and aspires to win an Olympic medal in 2028.
He also faces the challenge of emerging from Scheffler’s formidable shadow.
“All you can do is admire what he does and how he does it,” McIlroy conceded.
“His accomplishments are one thing, but his approach is another. He conducts his business with little fanfare, yet he executes better than anyone else in the game right now.”
“His performance over the past two to three years has been extraordinary. All you can do is acknowledge it and watch with admiration.”
Another Open has concluded without an English victor since Nick Faldo in 1992. However, Matt Fitzpatrick’s resurgence provides a positive reminder of the 2022 US Open champion’s elite status.
Fitzpatrick tied for fourth, edging out Bob MacIntyre by a stroke. The Scot’s seventh-place tie further underscores his major potential, following his runner-up finish at June’s US Open.
Tyrrell Hatton faded on the final day, finishing alongside Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and John Parry at seven under par and within the top 20. They, too, understand the standard required for future major success.
Currently, McIlroy appears the most likely to challenge Scheffler.
“All I can do is focus on my own game and strive to perform at my highest level,” he stated.
“I am confident that when I achieve this, I will have weeks where I contend and, hopefully, secure victories.”
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Scheffler completes dominant Open win at Portrush
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