Despite being listed as QB4 on the Cleveland Browns' initial depth chart, Shedeur Sanders is expe...

<p>Despite being listed as QB4 on the Cleveland Browns' initial depth chart, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210099" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210099">Shedeur Sanders</a> is expected to start the club's preseason opener Friday, <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/45909479/sources-browns-start-shedeur-sanders-preseason-opener">sources told ESPN</a>.</p><p>Sanders has yet to take a snap with Cleveland's first-team offense in training camp, but the fifth-round pick will get an extended look from the jump against the Carolina Panthers. Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel are both battling hamstring injuries, while 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco will likely join most veterans in skipping the majority of the preseason.</p><p>The Browns added a fifth quarterback to the mix earlier this week, signing former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley to provide the team with another healthy passer for the preseason.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>While it's unlikely Sanders will unseat Flacco as the starter, he could make significant strides toward passing Pickett and Gabriel on the depth chart with a strong showing Friday.</p>

BEREA, OHIO - JULY 30: Shedeur Sanders #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks to pass during Cleveland Browns training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on July 30, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.

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Report: Shedeur expected to start preseason opener

The Philadelphia Eagles added to their secondary depth Monday night, acquiring Jakorian Bennett f...

<p>The Philadelphia Eagles added to their secondary depth Monday night, acquiring <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188218" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188218">Jakorian Bennett</a> from the Las Vegas Raiders for defensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/174143" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/174143">Thomas Booker IV</a>, sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1952537053188813222">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a>.</p><p>Bennett, a former fourth-round pick, performed well in spurts last year for the Raiders, ranking 22nd in the NFL with seven pass breakups. However, at 5-foot-10, he doesn't exactly fit new coach Pete Carroll's penchant for long, lengthy cornerbacks.</p><p>He was the odd man out of the first-team defense at Raiders practices, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6532595/2025/08/02/raiders-training-camp-practice-report/">Tashan Reed of The Athletic</a> reported earlier in the week, with the trio of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/161673" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/161673">Eric Stokes</a>, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199883" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199883">Decamerion Richardson</a>, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210010" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210010">Darien Porter</a> getting the majority of the snaps.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Bennett joins an Eagles secondary that parted with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/53740" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/53740">Darius Slay</a> in the offseason, leaving an opening at outside corner on the other side of <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/199758" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/199758">Quinyon Mitchell</a>. <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/87563" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/87563">Adoree' Jackson</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/188344" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/188344">Kelee Ringo</a> have battled in camp for that spot.</p><p>Booker arrives in Las Vegas after the Raiders released defensive tackle <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/94542" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/94542">Christian Wilkins</a> in July.</p><p>The former Stanford defender started just one game last year for the Super Bowl champions, but he saw action in 17 contests. </p>

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 17: Jakorian Bennett #0 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on November 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida.

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Report: Raiders deal Bennett to Eagles for Booker

The Cleveland Browns released their initial depth chart for the start of the 2025 preseason, and ...

<p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/teams/10" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/teams/10">Cleveland Browns</a> released their <a href="https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-announce-unofficial-depth-chart-for-1st-preseason-game-vs-panthers">initial depth chart</a> for the start of the 2025 preseason, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/210099" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/210099">Shedeur Sanders</a> appears to be facing an uphill battle for playing time in his rookie campaign.</p><p>Sanders is fourth on the list at quarterback, behind veterans <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/2945" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/2945">Joe Flacco</a> and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/173994" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/173994">Kenny Pickett</a>, while also trailing fellow rookie <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nfl/players/209984" href="https://thescore.com/nfl/players/209984">Dillon Gabriel</a>.</p><p>It's no surprise to see Flacco and Pickett ahead of the Colorado star, but Gabriel as QB3 is notable. The Browns drafted the former Oregon star in the third round before finally stopping Sanders' slide in the fifth.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The depth chart wasn't the only piece of quarterback news from the Browns on Monday, as sources told <a href="https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1952516333024747719">ESPN's Adam Schefter</a> that former Pro Bowler Tyler Huntley signed with the club to give them another arm throughout camp.</p><p>Cleveland opens its preseason Friday in Charlotte against the Carolina Panthers before facing the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams to wrap up the schedule.</p>

BEREA, OHIO - JUNE 11: Shedeur Sanders #12 and Dillon Gabriel #5 of the Cleveland Browns run a drill during Cleveland Browns mandatory minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on June 11, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.

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Browns list Shedeur as QB4 on initial depth chart

Billy Donovan's tenure with the Chicago Bulls will continue for the foreseeable future as the hea...

<p>Billy Donovan's tenure with the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/teams/6" href="https://thescore.com/nba/teams/6">Chicago Bulls</a> will continue for the foreseeable future as the head coach agreed to a long-term extension with the club, sources told <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1949482949960716673">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>.</p><p>Donovan has been with the organization for five seasons, amassing a 195-205 record in 400 games and making the playoffs once.</p><p>He emerged as a potential candidate for the New York Knicks' opening once the team fired Tom Thibodeau but ultimately remains in Chicago as the Bulls continue their rebuild.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Prior to joining the Bulls, Donovan coached for five years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, posting a 243-157 mark in the process. He made his name as a coach with his massive success in the collegiate ranks, winning back-to-back national titles with Florida in 2006 and 2007.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 12: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the first half at the United Center on October 12, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Report: Bulls sign Donovan to multi-year extension

"I never thought in my lifetime I'd see a player as close to Tiger as this man currently is. Scot...

<p>"I never thought in my lifetime I'd see a player as close to Tiger as this man currently is. Scottie Scheffler just blows my mind every time I watch him play."</p><p>Wait. What? Tiger? As in Tiger Woods?</p><p>Jim "Bones" Mackay's comment during the third round of The Open might sound outlandish at first, but the NBC broadcaster's take may not be so far-fetched.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Mackay might be as qualified as anyone to make the Tiger comparison. He served as Phil Mickelson's caddie for 25 years, a position that offered him a front-row seat to some of Woods' most ridiculous moments.</p><p>Statistics also support Mackay's claim. Scheffler's overall strokes gained metrics are similar to those of Woods during his peak. Add in one of the wildest stats in recent memory, and the similarities between the two get scary.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is one of the craziest stats EVER.<br><br>It took Tiger 1,197 days to win his 4th major after he won his 1st.<br><br>Scottie will win his 4th major today... 1,197 days since his 1st.<br><br>🤯🤯🤯 <a href="https://t.co/Wf7gJ9mS5n">pic.twitter.com/Wf7gJ9mS5n</a></p>— theScore (@theScore) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1946986264994947371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>But you don't need to dive into the data to understand why Scheffler is the closest thing we've seen to Woods in men's golf. Watching Scheffler is enough to grasp the comparison.</p><p>His pinpoint execution is the first thing that jumps out. He exhibits the same outrageous control over his irons that separated Woods from the rest.</p><p>Scheffler leads the PGA TOUR for the third straight season in strokes gained: approach, this time by nearly half a shot over second place. He put that on full display at Portrush, with the 28-year-old standing alone at the top in approach play. That was expected, though.</p><p>Scheffler's work on the greens is what really made him don his stripes and look Tiger-like. Woods made his career by drilling putt after putt and demoralizing the chase pack. What was once a weakness is now a strength for Scheffler, with the Texan leading the field in strokes gained: putting this week. With all due respect to Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Xander Schauffele, and the rest of the field, no one is beating Scheffler if he leads in approach and putting.</p><p>Scheffler perhaps best showed his putting prowess during his only wobble Sunday, making three straight putts of 14 feet or longer through holes five through seven to score a birdie and two clutch pars. That stretch extinguished even the faintest hope for anyone else on the course and all but sealed the outcome.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795000/cropped_GettyImages-2226159960.jpg?ts=1753034899" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795000/w220xh124_GettyImages-2226159960.jpg?ts=1753034899 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795000/w320xh180_GettyImages-2226159960.jpg?ts=1753034899 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795000/w640xh360_GettyImages-2226159960.jpg?ts=1753034899 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795000/w768xh432_GettyImages-2226159960.jpg?ts=1753034899 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/795000/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2226159960.jpg?ts=1753034899 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Pedro Salado / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Inevitability is something else Scheffler has in common with Woods. Playing alongside Scheffler in the final group, Haotong Li appeared to sense The Open was already decided, effectively admitting before the round that he was gunning for second.</p><p>McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick, paired in the penultimate group, also acknowledged their slim chances heading into Sunday, contending with a leader who held a commanding four-shot edge.</p><p>That inevitability is what made Woods essentially a lock at closing out 54-hole leads, something Scheffler has now done 10 straight times.</p><p>So, is Scheffler the second coming of Tiger? Despite all the similarities, there's one significant difference between the two: demeanor on the course. Woods brought a swag and aura to the game that was a breath of fresh air. For lack of a better term, he made it "cool" to play golf. Scheffler's performances are a lot of things, but "cool" certainly isn't how you would describe them.</p><p>In the most complimentary way possible, Scheffler's brand of golf comes across as rather dull. He's a clinical tactician who methodically manages his way around the course and expertly avoids trouble. His muted demeanor, especially in comparison to the fist-pumping, roof-raising Woods, creates a different viewing experience.</p><p>Still, it's not Scheffler's job to entertain. His job is to win golf tournaments. While he may not garner the mainstream attention or fanfare that Woods did in his prime, Scheffler delivers a masterclass of comparable caliber once the first tee ball is in the air.</p><p>"When it comes to execution and the time to turn that switch on and hit a quality shot, they're identical in that respect," Mackay told <a href="https://x.com/fried_egg_golf/status/1946642770623389739">Fried Egg Golf</a>.</p><p>Scheffler has achieved something even Woods never accomplished, becoming the first man in 117 years to win his first four majors by at least three shots.</p><p>No, Scheffler won't ever rise to the cultural level of Woods or bring the same amount of eyeballs to the sport for his electric play. </p><p>However, there are few things better in sport than watching a master who's perfected his craft go to work. After this week at Portrush, there's no question Scheffler is firmly at that place in golf.</p>

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Scottie earns stripes: Scheffler gives shades of Tiger in Open triumph

Scottie Scheffler needed just two shots to remove any drama from Sunday at the Open Championship....

<p>Scottie Scheffler needed just two shots to remove any drama from Sunday at the Open Championship.</p><p>His tee shot into the light rough and the approach to 14 inches on the first hole at Royal Portrush made it clear that Sunday would be a four-hour coronation, not an electric chase from the field.</p><p>The entire afternoon was trademark Scheffler, with the 29-year-old picking apart the iconic venue using clinical precision to stretch his lead to seven at one point. The trophy engraver could have taken the rest of the day off, as both he and Scheffler's work was done early.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Scheffler's final-round 68 capped a brilliant week and left him well clear of Harris English, Chris Gotterup, and the rest of the field as he claimed the fourth major title of his career.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 4 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-17</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Harris English</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Chris Gotterup</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Wyndham Clark</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>-11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Haotong Li</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-7</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-7</td>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-7</td>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Bryson DeChambeau</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Corey Conners</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>It was evident early that Scheffler's challenge wasn't going to be anybody in the field but rather a run at history on a brilliant afternoon in Northern Ireland. He joins Gary Player, Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus as the only men to win the PGA Championship, the Masters, and the Open Championship before age 30.</p><p>Scheffler's win seemed inevitable the entire week, especially once he established his comfort on the Portrush greens. He flashed his usual elite approach play again while also leading the field in strokes gained: putting at over eight shots for the week.</p><p>Scheffler made a whopping 59-of-63 putts from inside 10 feet this week, and pointed to his ongoing work with putting coach Phil Kenyon for his vast improvement in that area of the game.</p><p>"I feel like I've done a lot of good work with Phil over the last couple years. Phil is a great guy for me to be able to bounce stuff off of. He's a tremendous coach and a great friend as well. We've made some real good progress," <a href="http://blob:https://media.theopen.com/9a7ab8e9-7906-4bc8-951d-1326d1fb07c1">said Scheffler</a>. "Phil's been just tremendous for me. Kind of helped me be more athletic, giving me the confidence I need to go out there and just be committed to what I'm doing."</p><p>English and Gotterup both closed in style to make it an all-American podium, firing rounds of 66 and 67, respectively. Rory McIlroy couldn't muster the same score to get into the mix, as the local favorite struggled to continue the momentum from Saturday's 66. </p><p>McIlroy finished Sunday with a 69 to tie for seventh but admitted the challenge was too much for anybody to catch Scheffler.</p><p>"None of us could hang with Scottie this week. He's an incredible player. He's been dominant this week. Honestly, he's been dominant for the last couple years. He is the bar that we're all trying to get to," <a href="http://blob:https://media.theopen.com/30788aaf-a1df-4665-9704-05befaa255f9">McIlroy said</a>. "In a historical context, you could argue that there's only maybe two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run, the one that Scottie's been on here for the last 24 to 36 months. Incredibly impressive."</p><p>Matt Fitzpatrick - who played alongside Scheffler in the final group Saturday - echoed similar sentiments about the winner following his round. </p><p>"I think Scottie Scheffler is a different class, obviously," <a href="http://blob:https://media.theopen.com/7f2eda7a-b73c-4f42-8e65-56b9c50894d3">Fitzpatrick said</a>, full of praise. "He's literally a full shot probably better than the next best player in the world, let alone myself, who's not the second best player in the world."</p><p>Scheffler's victory will add plenty of intrigue to next year's major championship season with a U.S. Open title the only thing missing from the career grand slam. A victory at Shinnecock Hills in June would see Scheffler become just the seventh man to accomplish that feat - just one year after McIlroy joined the club with his Masters win.</p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 20: Scottie Scheffler of the United States poses with the Claret Jug on the 18th green after winning The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 20, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Scheffler wins The Open with dominant week at Portrush

Outside of Rory McIlroy playing in his home country, there might not be another player who brings...

<p>Outside of Rory McIlroy playing in his home country, there might not be another player who brings more noise to a golf course than Bryson DeChambeau.</p><p>The two-time U.S. Open champion brought the crowd to life over the weekend at The Open, rebounding from a dismal 78 on Thursday with rounds of 65, 68, and 64 to fly up the leaderboard.</p><p>With the major season now complete, the next non-LIV event for DeChambeau is in September at the Ryder Cup, where the U.S. will play host at Bethpage Black, just outside New York.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>DeChambeau certainly has the date circled on his calendar, as the Americans look to reclaim the Ryder Cup title after a disappointing loss in Italy two years ago.</p><p>"I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that's going to be rooting for Team USA," DeChambeau <a href="http://blob:https://media.theopen.com/73f37088-09d2-4ec4-94cf-6c2fc7a2c167">told reporters</a> after his final round Sunday.</p><p>Although DeChambeau has played on numerous Ryder Cup teams in the past, this year's squad will ask him to take a starring role as one of the top players in the world.</p><p>However, DeChambeau wasn't the only golfer with the Ryder Cup in the back of his mind this week at Portrush. DeChambeau said U.S. captain Keegan Bradley left personal notes in some players' lockers.</p><p>"It meant a lot," DeChambeau added. "This year is no joke. We're tired of it. We're tired of losing."</p><p> </p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 20: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States celebrates on the 18th green during day four of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 20, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Bryson wants 'tsunami of a crowd' for Ryder Cup at Bethpage

Although Scottie Scheffler is all but guaranteed to win the Open Championship on Sunday, Rory McI...

<p>Although Scottie Scheffler is all but guaranteed to win the Open Championship on Sunday, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> won the day in Round 3 at Royal Portrush.</p><p>With a legion of adoring fans following his every move Saturday, the Northern Irish golfer birdied three of his first four holes en route to a 5-under 66 that took him into fourth place. The highlight was a 56-foot eagle putt on the 12th, with a packed grandstand enjoying a perfect view from directly behind the 36-year-old.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's ridiculous. It's Rory.<br><br>Royal Portrush will remember this one. <a href="https://t.co/VKSnyvBsse">pic.twitter.com/VKSnyvBsse</a></p>— The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1946609265155694641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>"This could be one of the coolest moments I've ever had on the golf course," McIlroy said after the round. "The roar when this ball was in was insane. It was insane all day, but the noise after that putt went in was incredible."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The eagle was even more impressive because it came on the heels of McIlroy's lone bogey in the round - which resulted from arguably the strangest thing we've seen on the golf course this year.</p><p>After finding the rough off the tee, McIlroy struck his approach, only for an embedded ball inches in front of his own to fly into the air.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Watch it. Watch it again. <a href="https://t.co/I48KVCk80b">pic.twitter.com/I48KVCk80b</a></p>— The Open (@TheOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOpen/status/1946605048688943125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>McIlroy admitted afterward that he was as puzzled as anyone when the ball popped up into the air.</p><p>"That is the most weird, ridiculous thing I've ever seen," he said. "Then my ball came out really weird and spinny. Yeah, just so strange."</p><p>He was able to add another birdie on the 15th after hitting the flag with his approach from the rough and will play in the second-to-last group Sunday.</p><p>McIlroy has posted some legendary come-from-behind wins on the PGA TOUR, but he gave an honest assessment of his chances in the season's final major.</p><p>"Scottie is the best player in the world right now. I think it's clear for everyone to see," McIlroy said. "He's just consistently so good each and every week he tees it up, so it's going to be a tall order to be able to catch him tomorrow. But I'm going to look forward to the challenge."</p>

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts to making a eagle putt on the 12th green on day three of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 19, 2025.

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McIlroy: Eagle on 12 among 'coolest moments' I've had on course

Clinical. Relentless. Boring.   It was a classic Scottie Scheffler performance Saturday at the Op...

<p>Clinical. Relentless. Boring. </p><p>It was a classic Scottie Scheffler performance Saturday at the Open Championship - one that leaves the rest of the field with little hope heading to the final round.</p><p>The World No. 1 looked every bit the part around Royal Portrush with a tidy bogey-free 67 to push his lead to four. Haotong Li is the only other man to reach at least 10-under, with Matt Fitzpatrick five back and Rory McIlroy leading the group at 8-under after a sizzling 66.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 3 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Haotong Li</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3</td>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>71</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Harris English</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-4</td>
<td>Chris Gotterup</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>8</td>
<td>Xander Schauffele</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>Rasmus Hojgaard</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>Russell Henley</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>Nicolai Hojgaard</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-9</td>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>73</td>
<td>-6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Royal Portrush was buzzing for a stretch of Saturday's action, especially after Northern Ireland's hero started his day with a bang. McIlroy birdied three of his opening four holes, giving the locals reason to dream.</p><p>Scheffler allowed those dreams to grow for the opening six holes of his round, looking a little loose with his irons as he parred that entire stretch. However, he punctured the crowd's hopes with an eagle on No. 7, followed by a birdie at the eighth hole.</p><p>An electric 56-foot eagle for McIlroy on No. 12 provided some brief hope for a blockbuster head-to-head Sunday matchup, but two all-world par saves by Scheffler on the back nine squashed that idea. He added a birdie on Portrush's iconic 16th for good measure, hitting a brilliant tee shot on the 239-yard par 3.</p><p>The statistics back up the eye test to indicate Scheffler is simply playing at a different level. His usual pinpoint approach play is once again on display; the three-time major winner ranks second in the field in that department through three rounds. However, it's his putting that has been the difference, as he currently leads the tournament on the greens. Add those together and this week simply isn't a fair fight.</p><p>"I think there's some pretty subtle slopes in these greens. I've done a really good job just being committed to my line," Scheffler told reporters. "Today I hit some good putts to start the round. I had a little three-putt there on the second hole, but I felt like I hit two putts the way I wanted to and I didn't let it bother me. I made a really nice putt there on the third hole to keep the momentum going. It was a little 10-footer for par, and that was what I felt like was a really important putt, and knocked it in."</p><p>While McIlroy gave his best effort to make up ground, neither Fitzpatrick nor Li could do the same despite starting within one and two shots of Scheffler, respectively. Fitzpatrick made noise early with an chip-in eagle on No. 2, but couldn't maintain the momentum. While the Chinese standout did enough to ensure a final-group pairing with the leader, a bogey on the 18th made the deficit four instead of three.</p><p>History suggests the trophy engraver can likely prep Scheffler's name, as he's converted nine straight solo 54-hole leads into wins. The Open itself has seen 21 of the last 24 winners enter the final round within four shots of the lead.</p><p>Even McIlroy - who's racked up 16 come-from-behind wins on the PGA TOUR - knows Sunday's task is a tall one.</p><p>"Scottie Scheffler is - it's inevitable," McIlroy said after the round. "He's improved so much with his putter. Yeah, it's going to be tough to catch him tomorrow if he keeps playing the way he does. But if I can get out tomorrow and get off to a similar start to what I did today, get the crowd going, hopefully he tails out a couple groups behind me, and you never know."</p>

US golfer Scottie Scheffler walks up the 17th fairway on day three of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 19, 2025.

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Relentless Scheffler takes 4-shot lead at The Open

Slow play in professional golf is once again in the news with rounds from the first two days at t...

<p>Slow play in professional golf is once again in the news with rounds from the first two days at this year's Open Championship nearing 6 hours in length.</p><p>That trend looked poised to continue for a couple of Saturday's groups, with <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/437" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/437">Bryson DeChambeau</a> notably put on the clock by a rules official on the 17th hole.</p><p>The two-time major winner addressed the situation after he avoided penalty the rest of the way and posted a 3-under 68.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"We were struggling with pace the whole day," DeChambeau told media after the round. "I was moving my butt as fast as I could. Greens were really tricky. I was trying to read them right."</p><p>DeChambeau used to be considered one of the slower players in men's professional golf, but he's sped up considerably over the years. He's been outspoken about slow play in the past and laid out his solution to the problem after the round.</p><p>"You eventually time everybody for their whole entire round. Very simple," DeChambeau said. "Nobody wants to do it because people are too scared to get exposed, which I am an advocate for. I'd love to be timed, and I have no problem with that.</p><p>"If somebody is playing slower, the guy can go up to him and say, 'Hey, man, you're over par with your time.' All you do is you just time them for every single shot. He gets there and puts the bag down, and how long it takes him to hit that shot and how long it takes him to walk to the green. It's not rocket science."</p><p>Outside of the four majors, DeChambeau plies his trade on the LIV Golf circuit. That league made headlines last season when it handed Richard Bland a one-stroke penalty and fined him $10,000 for slow play during an event.</p><p>DeChambeau's not the only LIV member who's spoken out on the pace of play during The Open, as Marc Leishman did so earlier in the week.</p><p>"Felt like we were on the golf course for about 12 hours," Leishman told the press Thursday. "We've been on the course for 3 hours through eight holes. That was tough to deal with, especially coming from somewhere where we play in under 4:30 every week."</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 19: Bryson DeChambeau of United States looks on on the 12th hole during day three of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 19, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Bryson's cure for slow play: Time everybody for whole round

Through two rounds of the Open Championship, the leaderboard represents how men's professional go...

<p>Through two rounds of the Open Championship, the leaderboard represents how men's professional golf has looked the past few years - everybody's looking up at Scottie Scheffler.</p><p>The World No. 1 once again showed why he stands alone in the sport when he's on, blitzing Royal Portrush for a 7-under 64 on Friday to leapfrog Matt Fitzpatrick for the top spot.</p><p>While Scheffler's brilliance is the top takeaway through the opening two days, it's not the only one from the season's final major.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Scottie learned how to putt</h3><p>Through two rounds at Royal Portrush, Scheffler leads the field ... in putting? The World No. 1 has turned what many would call his weakness into a massive strength this week. It'll make it a very boring weekend if he continues this form. Scheffler routinely leads the field in approach play - and this week is no different - but he often falls off the pace in putting. That includes last week's T-8 finish in Scotland despite beating only 15 players who made the cut on the greens.</p><p>His elite skill in the rest of his game allows him to thrive, but his putter is doing as much damage as anything else this week. Thanks to his prowess with the flatstick, Scheffler set a new personal record for lowest round in a major with his second-round 64. This one might already be over.</p><h3>Bryson, the volatile scientist</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794829/cropped_GettyImages-2225812536.jpg?ts=1752870149" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794829/w220xh124_GettyImages-2225812536.jpg?ts=1752870149 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794829/w320xh180_GettyImages-2225812536.jpg?ts=1752870149 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794829/w640xh360_GettyImages-2225812536.jpg?ts=1752870149 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794829/w768xh432_GettyImages-2225812536.jpg?ts=1752870149 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794829/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2225812536.jpg?ts=1752870149 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Oisin Keniry/R&amp;A / R &amp; A / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Uncontrolled variables are a nightmare for a scientist in any field - just ask Bryson DeChambeau. Golf's foremost science junkie often looks befuddled by the unpredictable laboratory that is links golf, with just one under-par round in his last seven at The Open entering Friday. That stretch included a birdie-free 7-over 78 on Thursday that put him on track for a second straight major missed cut. However, with tame conditions for Round 2, the variables became quite controlled, and DeChambeau thrived. By the time the dust settled, he had improved by an outrageous 13 strokes, pouring in seven birdies en route to a 6-under 65. According to <a href="https://x.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1946214423149920513">Justin Ray of the Twenty-First Group</a>, DeChambeau is the first player since Camilo Villegas in 2008 to go without a birdie or better in Round 1 of the Open and then make seven or more on Day 2.</p><h3>Hatton finds perfect amount of Guinness</h3><p>Despite some impressive play the past few years, Tyrrell Hatton is likely the runaway winner for angriest on-course golfer. The Englishman is never shy to share his disdain for his play on the course, alternating seamlessly between verbal tirades and demonstrative hand gestures throughout his round.</p><p>So, how does a man so tightly wound on the course relax afterward? With a steady mix of more golf and the perfect amount of Guinness. Hatton admitted Friday that he played a local course with friends on Wednesday night to unwind, and got just the right amount of the Irish beverage in him.</p><p>"It was a beautiful evening. I went and had three pints of Guinness afterwards, so that kind of made the evening a bit better." Hatton told reporters. "I think three is the magic number."</p><p>Whatever he's doing, it's working for Hatton in the majors lately. He opened with rounds of 68 and 69 at Portrush to sit tied for fifth heading to the weekend.</p><h3>The Butcher is back</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794830/cropped_GettyImages-2224944027.jpg?ts=1752870242" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794830/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224944027.jpg?ts=1752870242 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794830/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224944027.jpg?ts=1752870242 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794830/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224944027.jpg?ts=1752870242 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794830/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224944027.jpg?ts=1752870242 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794830/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224944027.jpg?ts=1752870242 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ramsey Cardy / Sportsfile / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Two years after he was deemed "The Butcher" during his runaway win at Hoylake, Brian Harman is back on an Open Championship leaderboard - and once again drawing questions about his hunting hobby. During his maiden major championship victory, reporters became heavily interested in Harman's passion for hunting and butchering his own game. As Harman hunted flagsticks all day Friday to score a 6-under 65, one had to wonder if the media would quiz him again on his hobby. The answer was a resounding yes.</p><p><strong>Question:</strong> "You do know when someone says, 'What did you shoot today?' they mean your golf score?"</p><p><strong>Harman:</strong> "Yeah, I'm aware of that. I'm a very compartmentalized guy. I'm not thinking about hunting when I'm golfing. I'm not thinking about golfing when I'm hunting."</p><p>Harman's 65 matched the low round of the day and has him firmly in the mix to claim a second Open Championship title this weekend. It also likely has headline writers in the United Kingdom and Ireland on edge, as they scramble to outdo their pun-filled performances from two years prior.</p><h3>Old-man Leonard knows the links</h3><p>Justin Leonard is 53 years old, has made one major start in the last eight years, and drives the ball an average of just 265 yards off the tee - 30 yards shorter than the field average. So, of course, he'll play this weekend after making the cut at Royal Portrush. Now a regular on the Champions Tour, Leonard remains exempt from qualifying for The Open until he's 60 due to his win at Royal Birkdale in 1997. He's also in the Senior Open next week in England, so he figured he would make the start in Northern Ireland on his way by.</p><p>"I think about Greg Norman back at - what was it - Birkdale (in 2008, at age 53)," Leonard told <a href="https://golf.com/news/most-surprising-open-round-justin-leonard/">Sean Zak of Golf.com</a>. "And obviously Tom (Watson) at Turnberry (at 59). Look, I'm not trying to compare myself to those guys, but it does kind of give you a little, OK! If I can have a really nice week with the putter, drive the ball well, do everything well - look, I'm not trying to win the golf tournament. But I can play well."</p><p>How exactly is Leonard doing this? Percisely how you think a wily veteran would - by flexing his experience around the diabolical greens we see at links courses on The Open rota. The Texan ranks fifth in the entire field in strokes gained: around the green, using his vast knowledge to navigate the areas around the putting surfaces at Portrush.</p><h3>Bat in the booth!</h3><p>Perhaps the most dramatic moment of the day didn't come on the golf course, but in the NBC tower on the 18th hole when a bat shocked broadcasters Dan Hicks and Kevin Kisner.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">There’s a bat in the booth! <a href="https://t.co/IljrVpH5OA">pic.twitter.com/IljrVpH5OA</a></p>— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterNS) <a href="https://twitter.com/KylePorterNS/status/1946259718839640276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure>

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Portrush takeaways: Scottie the putter, Hatton's peak Guinness intake

While most of the top talent in men's golf will play at The Open this weekend, some notable names...

<p>While most of the top talent in men's golf will play at The Open this weekend, some notable names will be heading home from Royal Portrush on Friday night.</p><p>Collin Morikawa continues to battle his swing, especially on links courses: The two-time major champion fired rounds of 75 and 74 to finish at 7-over, well off the pace. He's now missed three of his last four cuts in the Open Championship since his 2021 win in front of limited fans due to COVID.</p><p>He's not the only multiple major winner done early in Northern Ireland: Brooks Koepka once again won't play the weekend in a major this season. The five-time major winner used to be the most feared man in golf when the biggest events rolled around, but that's not the case in 2025. Koepka missed the cut at three of the four majors this year, and his T-12 finish at the U.S. Open was his only four-round tournament.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Joaquin Niemann, meanwhile, still has issues bringing his strong play from the LIV Golf schedule to the biggest stage. Niemann's bogey on the 18th hole Friday ended up being the difference - he fell just one shot shy of the 1-over cut. He's now missed the cut in two straight majors and has just one top-10 finish in 26 starts. While his talent is undeniable, the Chilean clearly struggles when the setups get more difficult in the majors.</p><p>Other notables to miss the cut include Patrick Cantlay, Patrick Reed, Cameron Smith, Adam Scott and Jason Day.</p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 18: Collin Morikawa of the United States walks on the 16th hole during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Morikawa, Koepka, Niemann among notables to miss cut at Portrush

Death, taxes, and Scottie Scheffler sitting at the top of a leaderboard in a major championship. ...

<p>Death, taxes, and Scottie Scheffler sitting at the top of a leaderboard in a major championship.</p><p>Few things in life are certain, but Scheffler proved again Friday he's one of them with a sizzling 64 at Royal Portrush to hold the solo 36-hole lead over Matt Fitzpatrick at the Open Championship. The round is Scheffler's lowest of his major championship career, and his eight birdies on the day match his record in a major.</p><p>Battling through heavy rain for portions of the back nine, Scheffler passed Fitzpatrick, Brian Harman, and Haotong Li with birdies on two of his final three holes. Tyrrell Hatton and Robert MacIntyre headline the group tied for fifth, while Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele are in a pack seven shots off the pace at 3-under.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 2 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>64</td>
<td>-10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2</td>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-3</td>
<td>Haotong Li</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Rasmus Hojgaard</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Robert MacIntyre</td>
<td>66</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-5</td>
<td>Chris Gotterup</td>
<td>65</td>
<td>-5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Tony Finau</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Nicolai Hojgaard</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-12</td>
<td>Rory McIlroy</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-12</td>
<td>Keegan Bradley</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-12</td>
<td>Lee Westwood</td>
<td>70</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-12</td>
<td>Sam Burns</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-12</td>
<td>Jordan Smith</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The performance was vintage Scheffler right from the start. The World No. 1 sent a warning shot to the rest of the field by converting a birdie on the first hole before adding three more over the next six.</p><p>Most of the golfing world knows that Scheffler is the favorite to win even if he turns in an average putting performance, but his comfort on the greens led to his results Friday. He finished his round leading the tournament in putting, a strong stat made even more impressive by the fact that he's also leading in approach.</p><p>Fitzpatrick, one of five co-leaders after Round 1, made his push a few groups ahead of Scheffler and will chase his second career major from the final group Saturday alongside the American. While the Englishman has struggled over the past two seasons, he's again flashing the all-around form that led him to the 2022 U.S. Open title.</p><p>The same can be said for Harman, the 2023 Open champion. He flashed his vast arsenal of shots for links golf Friday, hunting flagsticks all day en route to a 6-under 65. Harman displayed the same control over his golf ball that we saw over four days during his win at Royal Liverpool two years ago, and he should be considered a serious threat to keep Scheffler nervous this weekend.</p><p>Anyone outside the top three will need a massive effort this week to make a push, with Scheffler nearly impossible to catch on level terms.</p><p>Although McIlroy is likely the headliner among the candidates who could close the gap, the five-time major winner didn't make up enough ground Friday to be considered a serious contender. McIlroy gave himself plenty of birdie looks in the second round but could only muster a 2-under 69 and is seven back.</p>

Antrim , United Kingdom - 18 July 2025; Scottie Scheffler of USA reacts after a birdie putt on the sixth green during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Antrim.

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Scheffler charges to top with scorching 64 at The Open

Hopefully, Bryson DeChambeau didn't make travel plans for Friday night after his opening-round 78...

<p>Hopefully, Bryson DeChambeau didn't make travel plans for Friday night after his opening-round 78 at Royal Portrush.</p><p>The two-time major winner rebounded from his dismal start to The Open with a sizzling 6-under 65 in Round 2, flying up the leaderboard and appearing safe to make the cut at the season's final major.</p><p>Birdies were the key difference in DeChambeau's 13-shot improvement after he failed to make one in Round 1 for just the second time in his major career. He poured in seven birdies Friday, making history along the way.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bryson DeChambeau went without a birdie in round one, then made 7 of them today.<br><br>He is the first player since Camilo Villegas in 2008 to go without a birdie or better in round 1 of the Open then make 7 or more in round 2.</p>— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinRayGolf/status/1946214423149920513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>What changed in DeChambeau's play overnight? Not much, according to the LIV Golf star.</p><p>"I've played the same as I did yesterday. That's links golf for you," DeChambeau <a href="http://blob:https://media.theopen.com/aa906e39-30c5-4828-9e7e-4e5d9137efb7">told reporters</a>. "I executed pretty much the same shots as I did yesterday. I didn't feel like I played any different. Today, they just kind of went more my way. My wedges were just a fraction better, and that was really it. Made a couple more putts. Just really felt like I was rolling it well today. There wasn't much different. That's why links golf is the way links golf is."</p><p>Although DeChambeau didn't point to one area of improvement to get him back on track, his irons were significantly better in his second time around Portrush. After ranking 147th in approach play Thursday, DeChambeau sat first in the field for Round 2.</p><p>While there's no question DeChambeau has become one of the world's best golfers, his scientific approach to the game can lead him astray in the unpredictable environments of links golf in the United Kingdom and Ireland. For someone who hits the ball as high and as far as DeChambeau, gearing down and controlling the flight can be challenging - something he doesn't need to worry about most of the season.</p><p>"To be a complete golfer, you've got to win over here. That's something I've struggled to do," DeChambeau said. "I've played well at times when it's dry and greens are more consistent in their bounce, and the greens are a little bit better. But when it gets as chaotic as this, with the wind going every which way, flipping on 18 completely, when you're preparing all day for that left-to-right wind off 18, you have to be a complete golfer that pivots on demand."</p><p>DeChambeau will enter Saturday sitting at least nine shots off the lead with a host of top players ahead of him. However, Friday's performance should boost his confidence and springboard further improved play on links setups moving forward.</p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 18: Bryson DeChambeau of the United States acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Bryson improves by 13 shots in Round 2: 'That's links golf'

Matt Fitzpatrick headlines a group of five golfers at the top of the Open Championship leaderboar...

<p>Matt Fitzpatrick headlines a group of five golfers at the top of the Open Championship leaderboard, but it's Scottie Scheffler, just one shot off the lead, who will grab everyone's attention at Royal Portrush.</p><p>Fitzpatrick matched Jacob Skov Olesen, Haotong Li, Harris English, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout with a 4-under 67 to set the early pace in Northern Ireland. Scheffler's morning round of 3-under 68 held up to leave him tied for sixth and keeps him as the betting favorite to win his fourth career major title.</p><p>Tyrrell Hatton is tied with Scheffler, one stroke clear of a large group that includes veterans Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, and Rickie Fowler. Local favorites Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy fired 1-under 70s to sit tied for 20th, joined in that pack by notable names such as Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and Sergio Garcia.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Place</th>
<th>Player</th>
<th>Round 1 score</th>
<th>Total to par</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>Matt Fitzpatrick</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>Jacob Skov Olesen</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>Haotong Li</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>Christiaan Bezuidenhout</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-1</td>
<td>Harris English</td>
<td>67</td>
<td>-4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Scottie Scheffler</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Matthew Jordan</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Tyrrell Hatton</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-6</td>
<td>Sadom Kaewkanjana</td>
<td>68</td>
<td>-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Nicolai Hojgaard</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Rasmus Hojgaard</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Rickie Fowler</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Lee Westwood</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Aaron Rai</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Justin Rose</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Maverick McNealy</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Brian Harman</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Lucas Glover</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>T-10</td>
<td>Tom Kim</td>
<td>69</td>
<td>-2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The iconic Royal Portrush provided a challenging test for the field on Day 1, with rain hitting the course intermittently throughout the round. English was the only man among the leaders to play in the late afternoon wave, reaching 5-under at one point before a late bogey dropped him into the tie at the top.</p><p>The round was certainly encouraging for Fitzpatrick, as the Englishman looks to make a late push for the Ryder Cup team in September. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has struggled over the past two years but has been building off a T-8 finish at the PGA Championship in May. His round was highlighted by an incredible pitch that dunked in the cup on the treacherous 16th hole.</p><p>The other four golfers at the top are without a major championship victory, with English the class of that group. The veteran American already has two top-12 major finishes this year, including a runner-up at Quail Hollow.</p><p>Scheffler showed his brilliant approach play throughout the round, hitting only three fairways on the day. Despite facing plenty of challenges from the rough, the World No. 1 still managed to card five birdies. He sits in a prime position to make a run at grabbing the third leg of his career Grand Slam and likely cementing himself as the Player of the Year despite McIlroy's victories at the Players and the Masters.</p><p>McIlroy's first round at his home Open on Thursday went significantly better than his 79 in 2019, as the 36-year-old posted a 1-under 70 in the challenging afternoon wave. Like Scheffler, McIlroy struggled mightily off the tee in hitting just two fairways but also used strong approach play to score.</p><p>He's back out in Friday's morning wave and will look to narrow the gap heading to the weekend.</p><p>Many top names will need a low round Friday to make the cut, including Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, and Bryson DeChambeau.</p><p>Koepka started in fine form but made six bogeys over his final 10 holes to fall to 4-over. Morikawa made just one birdie on the day, with the issues from last week's missed cut in Scotland still prevalent. DeChambeau's career-long issues at The Open continued in Round 1, as the two-time U.S. Open winner fell back with a 7-over 78.</p>

PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND - JULY 17: Matt Fitzpatrick of England acknowledges the crowd on the 18th green during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 17, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

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Fitzpatrick headlines leaders with Scheffler threatening at The Open

Jon Rahm entered the Open Championship as one of the most backed golfers in the field, coming to ...

<p>Jon Rahm entered the Open Championship as one of the most backed golfers in the field, coming to Royal Portrush with four straight top-15 finishes in the majors.</p><p>The two-time major champion battled rain and wind early Thursday to put himself firmly in the mix with a solid 1-under 70, three back of the clubhouse lead.</p><p>That round included an incident with a fan on the 11th hole that could have derailed his performance had he handled things differently.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After Rahm hit an errant drive on the toughest hole in Round 1, the Spaniard <a href="https://x.com/UnderdogGolf/status/1945823136949178493">accused</a> a spectator of whistling during his backswing. Although he initially voiced his displeasure, Rahm managed to make a bogey before getting through the final seven holes in 1-under.</p><p>Rahm acknowledged the situation after the round but placed most of the blame on himself for hitting a poor shot.</p><p>"You have the hardest tee shot on the course, raining, into the wind off the left, it's enough. I know they're not doing it on purpose. It just seemed like somebody trying to get a hold of someone for whatever it is. It was bad timing," Rahm <a href="http://blob:https://media.theopen.com/6b8afc8b-353b-4fc8-b8cf-bb4a4f68dff1">told reporters</a>. "To be honest, it probably didn't affect as much as I made it sound like. It was a bad swing as well. Just a difficult hole."</p><p>Rahm initially struggled in major championships following his move to LIV Golf but has since regained his form. His resurgence began last year with a top-10 finish at the Open and has continued through this season's majors.</p><p>The fact that Rahm's thriving on the island of Ireland also comes as no surprise, with two Irish Open victories already under his belt.</p><p>Should Rahm put three more solid rounds on the board and finish the job, he would make history among the long list of successful Spanish golfers that have come before him.</p><p>"There's just a few things that would make this one so special," Rahm said. "Not only getting to three majors, being the second Spanish player after Seve (Ballesteros) to win an Open and being the only one to win three different majors, that would be - yeah, makes it very, very special, on top of everything that already is."</p><p>The 30-year-old heads out in the afternoon wave Friday for his second round alongside Xander Schauffele and J.J. Spaun.</p>

Antrim , United Kingdom - 17 July 2025; Jon Rahm of Spain waits by the fifth green during day one of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Antrim.

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Rahm in the mix with 70 despite 'bad timing' on fan incident 

The Royal and Ancient delivered some star-studded groups for the opening two rounds of The Open a...

<p>The Royal and Ancient delivered some <a href="https://www.theopen.com/teetimes">star-studded groups</a> for the opening two rounds of The Open at Royal Portrush.</p><p>Rory McIlroy will be in the afternoon wave for the first round, hitting the course alongside good friends Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Thomas at 3:10 p.m. local time (10:10 a.m. ET) in the final featured group of the day.</p><p>That trio is playing in Thursday's later groupings alongside the likes of Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, and Viktor Hovland, with an early-morning tee time awaiting on Friday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Defending champion Xander Schauffele gets his tournament started early with a 9:58 a.m. local start beside Jon Rahm and U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun. They're joined in the morning session by Portrush hero Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa and World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.</p><h3>Notable groups (all times ET)</h3><p><strong>Group:</strong> Xander Schauffele, Jon Rahm, J.J. Spaun<br>Round 1 - 4:58 a.m. ET<br>Round 2 - 9:59 a.m. ET</p><p><strong>Group: </strong>Shane Lowry, Collin Morikawa, Scottie Scheffler<br>Round 1 - 5:09 a.m. ET<br>Round 2 - 10:10 a.m. ET</p><p><strong>Group:</strong> Bryson DeChambeau, Robert MacIntyre, Justin Rose<br>Round 1 - 9:48 a.m. ET<br>Round 2 - 4:47 a.m. ET</p><p><strong>Group:</strong> Jordan Spieth, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland<br>Round 1 - 9:59 a.m. ET<br>Round 2 - 4:58 a.m. ET</p><p><strong>Group:</strong> Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood<br>Round 1 - 10:10 a.m. ET<br>Round 2 - 5:09 a.m. ET</p><p>Irish golf legend Padraig Harrington will get the 153rd Open Championship started by hitting the first tee shot on Thursday, </p>

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - JANUARY 13: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hugs Tommy Fleetwood of England on the practice range prior to the Hero Dubai Desert Classic at Emirates Golf Club on January 13, 2025 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

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Rory, Fleetwood, JT headline notable groups at Portrush

The season's final major is upon us, with the shores of Northern Ireland hosting the Open Champio...

<p>The season's final major is upon us, with the shores of Northern Ireland hosting the Open Championship at the iconic Royal Portrush.</p><p>Rory McIlroy looks to exorcise the demons of 2019 when he missed the cut at his local event by adding to his Masters win with another epic victory. While he's one of the top golfers to watch this week, he's not one of the top two players we expect to perform well on the links this time out.</p><p>Here's the top 20 players for the 153rd Open Championship.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p><strong>20. Justin Thomas</strong></p><p>If this were a PGA TOUR event, Thomas would be one of the top names on the list. However, it's a major championship, which means he's lucky to find himself at No. 20. When the golf gets tougher, Thomas has essentially been a complete no-show. His usually elite ball-striking has disappeared in the biggest events, as the two-time PGA champ has lost strokes off the tee and on approach over the three majors this season. That likely doesn't bode well for the challenging test at Portrush.</p><p><strong>19. Adam Scott</strong></p><p>Scott threatened to win the U.S. Open for 63 holes at Oakmont before fading in horrendous conditions late Sunday. The Aussie clearly thrives in links golf, nabbing a top-25 finish in almost half of his 24 starts in The Open. His brilliant driving should put him in a prime position to attack at Portrush. Whether Scott can do so for four straight days at age 45 is the question he needs to answer.</p><p><strong>18. Cameron Young</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633983/cropped_GettyImages-2158187006.jpg?ts=1719079626" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633983/w220xh124_GettyImages-2158187006.jpg?ts=1719079626 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633983/w320xh180_GettyImages-2158187006.jpg?ts=1719079626 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633983/w640xh360_GettyImages-2158187006.jpg?ts=1719079626 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633983/w768xh432_GettyImages-2158187006.jpg?ts=1719079626 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633983/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2158187006.jpg?ts=1719079626 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Keyur Khamar / PGA TOUR / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Young has quietly become one of the better major players on the PGA TOUR, recording six top-10 finishes in 15 majors since the start of 2022. Those results include two top-10 showings in three starts at The Open, highlighted by a runner-up finish at St. Andrews in his debut. Young has yet to win on the PGA TOUR, but he raises his game in majors - this won't be the last time we say that on this list.</p><p><strong>17. Robert MacIntyre</strong></p><p>The Scottish star feels right at home across the Irish Sea, boasting a T-6th finish in The Open six years ago at Portrush. MacIntyre nearly nipped the U.S. Open in June, only to fall just short to J.J. Spaun's late heroics. He showed at last year's Scottish Open that he can rise to the occasion, and nobody would be shocked if he seizes the moment Sunday in Northern Ireland.</p><p><strong>16. Patrick Reed</strong></p><p>Is Reed the 16th-best golfer in the field this week at Portrush? Probably not. However, is a motivated Reed looking to make a shock return to the Ryder Cup team in two months a threat at The Open? Absolutely. Reed's best showing in an Open Championship came six years ago at this venue, and he enters showing some solid form over the past three months. A course like Portrush places a premium on short-game acumen, something Reed excels at as well as anybody in the world.</p><p><strong>15. Jordan Spieth</strong></p><p>Only 15 golfers worldwide have gained more total strokes than Spieth over the last six months, according to Data Golf. He's also been a menace on links courses, posting seven straight top-25 finishes in The Open, including a win in 2017 and a runner-up in 2021. So why isn't Spieth higher on this list? He withdrew from his last start and welcomed his third child to the family last week. Any parent will tell you that's probably not the most productive way to prepare for a big event at work.</p><p><strong>14. Russell Henley</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586789/cropped_GettyImages-1592061702.jpg?ts=1691186497" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586789/w220xh124_GettyImages-1592061702.jpg?ts=1691186497 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586789/w320xh180_GettyImages-1592061702.jpg?ts=1691186497 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586789/w640xh360_GettyImages-1592061702.jpg?ts=1691186497 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586789/w768xh432_GettyImages-1592061702.jpg?ts=1691186497 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/586789/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1592061702.jpg?ts=1691186497 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Logan Whitton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Two years ago, a shorter-hitting American got hot with the putter and charged to an unlikely Open Championship win at Royal Liverpool. Could Henley be this year's version of Brian Harman? Henley winning would be less of a long shot, as the Georgia alum has quietly been one of the best players on the PGA TOUR the past couple of years. He finished fifth in last year's Open Championship and nabbed a solid 10th-place showing at the U.S. Open at Oakmont.</p><p><strong>13. Hideki Matsuyama</strong></p><p>Trouble lurks around Portrush for anybody straying even remotely off course, with thick gorse and internal out-of-bounds providing major challenges for the field. That leads us to one of the best ball-strikers in Matsuyama. The Japanese star is ranked 20th in the world in strokes gained: tee-to-green over the past six months and possesses the type of elite chipping skills needed in links golf.</p><p><strong>12. Ludvig Aberg</strong></p><p>Early returns on Aberg's brief major career suggest he's either threatening to win or packing up the car early Friday. Seven majors in, the Swede has three top-12 finishes against four missed cuts, including this year's PGA Championship and U.S. Open. Which Aberg are we getting this week at Portrush? An eighth-place finish last week in Scotland points toward the one who contends down the stretch.</p><p><strong>11. Brooks Koepka</strong></p><p>Koepka finally showed signs of major life with a 12th-place finish in June's U.S. Open after missing the cut in the Masters and PGA Championship. His form has been spotty on LIV Golf, but that rarely means anything for one of the best major players of his generation. While golf is largely an individual endeavour, Koepka has the best "teammate" this week with caddie Ricky Elliott. The veteran looper hails from Portrush and got his start caddying at the historic course. That knowledge likely helped Kopeka to a T-4 finish six years ago at the same track.</p><p><strong>10. Collin Morikawa</strong></p><p>Morikawa's form has taken a dip as he speed dates caddies looking for someone who fits his eye. Last week was the first in a two-week pact with veteran Billy Foster, but the new partnership flamed out with a missed cut. Foster is as experienced as anybody in the game - something that should help Morikawa at Portrush. One area that needs drastic improvement is putting. Morikawa has lost strokes on the greens in four straight tournaments, including a dismal performance at Oakmont in the last major. His minus-2.17 strokes gained: putting was the worst showing of his major career.</p><p><strong>9. Tommy Fleetwood</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/585309/cropped_GettyImages-1561217651.jpg?ts=1689974096" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/585309/w220xh124_GettyImages-1561217651.jpg?ts=1689974096 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/585309/w320xh180_GettyImages-1561217651.jpg?ts=1689974096 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/585309/w640xh360_GettyImages-1561217651.jpg?ts=1689974096 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/585309/w768xh432_GettyImages-1561217651.jpg?ts=1689974096 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/585309/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1561217651.jpg?ts=1689974096 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Remember the Cameron Young section where we said, "He's yet to win on the PGA TOUR but clearly raises his game in majors?" Young may be the newcomer on that block, but Fleetwood is absolutely the OG. Despite the Englishman constantly being in contention in golf's biggest events, he remains snakebitten in getting things across the line. That includes a solo second in 2019 at Portrush as the only man to finish within seven shots of Shane Lowry.</p><p><strong>8. Shane Lowry</strong></p><p>The hero at Portrush six years ago returns with much fanfare, with Lowry's major triumph easily one of the most popular in recent memory. A second Claret Jug hitting Lowry's locker would shock no one. The Irishman comes to The Open having gained the 10th-most strokes worldwide in the last six months. Expect the crowd support to be loud and boisterous again for the lad who grew up just 170 miles from Portrush.</p><p><strong>7. Tyrrell Hatton</strong></p><p>It's hard not to love Hatton's chances this week, considering the Englishman is fresh off his best career major finish in June at the U.S. Open. He also posted his top showing ever in the Open Championship last time out at Portrush in 2019. Although he's got a volatile demeanour on the course, Hatton has thrived in links-style golf, scoring three victories in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship played at St. Andrews.</p><p><strong>6. Xander Schauffele</strong></p><p>The defending champion comes to Portrush sitting 138th in putting, a steep drop from the 12th-place finish in his career-defining season last year. That's the major difference in Schauffele's brilliant 2024 run compared to 2025. However, there's reason for optimism in Schauffele's camp, with a T-12 finish at the U.S. Open and an eighth-place result at last week's Scottish Open now on his resume. Those results suggest he might be trending toward the form that won him two majors last year.</p><p><strong>5. Bryson DeChambeau</strong></p><p>It might be good, it might be bad, but either way, DeChambeau is guaranteed to be a box office draw. DeChambeau is one of the most entertaining golfers on the planet on a week-to-week basis, and the unpredictability of the Open Championship only heightens that spectacle. But his scientific approach thrives on controlled conditions, something the season's final major doesn't offer. The numbers back that theory up with a T-8 in 2022 being the only top-30 finish of DeChambeau's major career. Watching the LIV star try to overpower Portrush will be must-see TV - a strategy that'll likely either result in a win or a missed cut and nothing in between.</p><p><strong>4. Viktor Hovland</strong></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/589123/cropped_GettyImages-1636714396.jpg?ts=1692969239" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/589123/w220xh124_GettyImages-1636714396.jpg?ts=1692969239 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/589123/w320xh180_GettyImages-1636714396.jpg?ts=1692969239 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/589123/w640xh360_GettyImages-1636714396.jpg?ts=1692969239 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/589123/w768xh432_GettyImages-1636714396.jpg?ts=1692969239 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/589123/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1636714396.jpg?ts=1692969239 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>After a volatile major season last year, Hovland has found his footing again in 2025. His worst major finish was a T-28 at the PGA Championship, and he comes in off a third-place showing at the U.S. Open. Hovland has been beating down flagsticks all season, trailing only Scottie Scheffler in strokes gained: approach over the past six months. He's a hot putting week away from cashing that in with a first major victory.</p><p><strong>3. Rory McIlroy</strong></p><p>Imagine telling McIlroy at the start of the season that the pressure would somehow be off his shoulders heading into The Open at Portrush. That's essentially what the Masters victory has done for the 36-year-old, making things slightly less stressful at the tournament played just 60 miles from his hometown. McIlroy's first Open at Portrush - a place he broke the course record as a 16-year-old - got off to a disaster with an opening-round 79 dooming him to a missed cut. It's hard to see that happening twice, and it would be stunning if he weren't in the mix come Sunday.</p><p><strong>2. Scottie Scheffler</strong></p><p>Grading on the immense Scheffler scale, the Open Championship has traditionally been his "worst" major. Considering a 23rd-place showing in 2023 was the poorest finish in his career at the event, that's all relative. It seems the only thing that baffles the brilliant Scheffler these days is a bad bounce or a ball not reacting as he expected. That's frankly the essence of links golf - something Scheffler still has to show he can handle. If he figures that out, it would likely result in a runaway win given how exceptionally he's striking the ball lately.</p><p><strong>1. Jon Rahm</strong></p><p>Rahm has quietly been one of the best major players in the world over the last calendar year, posting four straight top-15 finishes. That streak includes a T-7 at last year's Open Championship and a T-7 at June's U.S. Open. Fresh off nearly winning his home event on LIV in Spain last weekend, Rahm comes to Portrush in full flight. He grabbed a T-11 finish in 2019 at Portrush and has shone bright in previous events across Ireland in his career. It feels like it's Rahm's time to re-establish himself in the argument for the planet's best male golfer.</p>

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20 names for The Open: Ranking the top players at Portrush

Rory McIlroy couldn't wait to tee it up at home in Northern Ireland on Monday, hitting Royal Port...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/599" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/599">Rory McIlroy</a> couldn't wait to tee it up at home in Northern Ireland on Monday, hitting Royal Portrush for an early practice round just hours after his runner-up finish at the Scottish Open.</p><p>The Holywood native was off at 7:00 a.m. local time - over 90 minutes before any other player - to get his first look at the course since he missed the cut at the 2019 Open Championship.</p><p>McIlroy - who famously broke the course record at Portrush as a 16-year-old - hit his opening shot out of bounds in 2019 and trudged along to a first-round 79 before rebounding with an electric 65 in Round 2. That push ultimately fell one shot of the cutline, but the chase captivated the crowd.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The newly crowned Masters champion discussed that experience Monday when meeting with the media and pointed to some lessons he learned. </p><p>"You get to an Open, it's a major championship, everything that comes along with it, and I just think that that feeling, the walk to the first tee and then that ovation, I was still a little surprised and a little taken aback. Like, geez, these people really want me to win," <a href="https://x.com/theopen/status/1944766687611355306?s=46&amp;t=tz5gD5QMDqV_qrw4oZWkJw">McIlroy said</a>. "I think that brought its own sort of pressure and more internally from myself, and not really wanting to let people down.</p><p>"I guess it's just something I didn't mentally prepare for that day or that week. But I learned pretty quickly that one of my challenges, especially in a week like this, is controlling myself and controlling that battle."</p><p>While McIlroy left Portrush full of disappointment, he returns having become just the sixth man to complete the greatest achievement in professional golf - the career grand slam.</p><p>His Masters win capped an incredible start to the 2025 season, with victories at Pebble Beach and TPC Sawgrass also on the resume. However, since claiming the green jacket, McIlroy has struggled to find the same motivation with his career Mona Lisa complete.</p><p>"I think everyone could see over the last couple of months how I struggled with that. I've done something that I've told everyone that I wanted to do, but then it's like I still feel like I have a lot more to give," he said. "I've alluded to this, but I probably just didn't give myself enough time to let it all sink in. But that's the nature of professional golf. They do a very good job of keeping you on the hamster wheel, and you feel like it's hard to get off at times."</p><p>Should McIlroy triumph at Portrush this week, he'd become just the 15th man to win at least six major championships.</p>

Antrim , United Kingdom - 14 July 2025; Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during a practice round at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Portrush, Antrim, ahead of The 153rd Open Championship.

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Rory: 'Controlling myself' key to success in home Open

Talk about capping your first career major victory in style.  J.J. Spaun just needed a two-putt f...

<p>Talk about capping your first career major victory in style.</p><p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///pga/players/2217" href="https://thescore.com/pga/players/2217">J.J. Spaun</a> just needed a two-putt from 64 feet on Oakmont's 18th hole to win the U.S. Open. However, the 34-year-old had other plans and instead provided one of the loudest finishes in event history.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK8Or2FS9Y-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DK8Or2FS9Y-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div>
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<script async="" src="https://www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></figure><p>The incredible putt finished off an insane back-nine 32 for Spaun and cemented his closing stretch as one of the best in recent memory.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Just to finish it off like that is just a dream," Spaun admitted afterward, according to <a href="https://asaptext.com/asap_media/media/1017/1081/browse_file.php?browse_file_name=transcripts/157126.html">ASAP Sports</a>. "You watch other people do it. You see the Tiger chip, you see Nick Taylor's putt, you see crazy moments. To have my own moment like that at this championship, I'll never forget this moment for the rest of my life."</p><p>Spaun bogeyed five of his first six holes Sunday and made the turn with a 5-over 40. He was seemingly out of the tournament until a 97-minute weather delay soaked Oakmont with torrential rains. While the rest of the field struggled after the restart of play, Spaun thrived in the wet conditions and charged to the title in epic fashion.</p>

OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 15: J. J. Spaun of the United States celebrates winning on the 18th green during the final round of the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 15, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania.

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Watch: Spaun caps U.S. Open win with 64-foot bomb on 18

https://rich-content.thescore.com/authors/dane-belbeck/content_cards