Scottie Scheffler’s smooth journey to his inaugural Open Championship victory at Royal Portrush unfolded without much resistance, as Rory McIlroy’s expected surge failed to materialize, leaving the relentless American unchallenged by his competitors.
As the current US PGA champion, Scheffler completed the third installment of the career Grand Slam with his stylish win, marking his fourth major triumph. He now eyes the opportunity to achieve the Grand Slam within a four-year span, akin to the legendary Jack Nicklaus, with just 11 months left to reach this milestone.
While only Tiger Woods has accomplished this feat in a shorter timeframe, Scheffler’s exceptional performance is drawing comparisons to the golfing greats. His consistent improvement is evident, winning his first Masters by three strokes, his second by four, and securing a five-shot victory in May’s US PGA.
In a dominating display, Scheffler finished with a 17-under total, clinching a comfortable four-shot win over compatriot Harris English, who also trailed him at the PGA. This victory on McIlroy’s home turf was more commanding than the margin suggests, setting a notable precedent as no one in the modern era has claimed their first four majors with a three-shot lead or more.
Despite McIlroy’s own Grand Slam achievement earlier this year, he acknowledged Scheffler’s inevitable success, who has now claimed a quarter of all majors since 2022. Scheffler’s clinical performance, becoming only the fourth player under 30 to secure victories at the Masters, US PGA, and Open, alongside Woods, Nicklaus, and Gary Player, further solidifies his growing legacy in the sport.