Scheffler earned his first Claret Jug by running away from the field over the weekend before winning by four shots. McIlroy finished tied for seventh, seven shots behind Scheffler. After his round he paid Scheffler the highest of praise, saying:

Scottie Scheffler’s odds of winning the British Open got better and better until he finally secured the claret jug at Royal Portrush

Scottie Scheffler is once again out in front with a massive lead. The top-ranked golfer in the world cruised through Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland on Saturday and broke open what felt like a very easy four-shot lead over the field.

World number one Scottie Scheffler will be overwhelming favourite to claim his first British Open title when he begins his final round with a four-stroke lead of a packed chasing field at Royal Portrush on Sunday.