Scottie Scheffler’s Dominance at The Open
From the start, there was never a hint of uncertainty: Scottie Scheffler was the clear frontrunner. Anyone expecting a tight finish on Sunday was left wanting, as Scheffler extended his record of converting all ten of his 54-hole leads into victories.
The new champion stumbled slightly on his opening tee shot, landing in the rough, but quickly recovered, sending an iron shot within a foot of the hole. As Scheffler made his way across Dunluce Links, it was evident that the Claret Jug could have been handed over on the 5th tee—he was leading by seven strokes at that point.
Scheffler’s approach is one of calm authority; he avoids the pressures of head-to-head competition. Even when he four-putted Augusta’s 72nd green in 2022, he won by three strokes. His victories in the 2024 Masters and the 2025 US PGA Championship were by four and five strokes, respectively.
This Open triumph came by four shots, although it felt even more commanding. As Sunday afternoon wore on, there were whispers about Old Tom Morris’s 1862 record of winning by 13 strokes. Despite missing several opportunities on the back nine, Scheffler finished with a 68, his highest score of the tournament, totaling 17 under par.
Surrounded by family at the 18th green, Scheffler was a reminder that his priorities extend beyond golf. His understated elegance and reluctance to take center stage make him an intriguing figure—he acknowledges his skill but prefers not to let it define him.
While Harris English finished as the runner-up and deserves commendation, Scheffler’s commanding performance overshadowed the competition. English never posed a real threat, and Chris Gotterup, after winning the Scottish Open, secured third with a remarkable performance in Northern Ireland.
This Open unfolded under favorable conditions, which limited potential errors and led to lower scores overall. Scheffler’s solid start and subsequent plays consistently put him in a secure position, making it clear that he was untouchable, reminiscent of Tiger Woods during his peak years.
