The Open Championship isn't over. McIlroy and everyone else in contention have to believe they have a chance. But they're chasing a guy who's almost impossible to catch.

Scottie Scheffler is four strokes clear ahead of the final round, on 14-under par after 54 holes. The world number one has won the past nine events in which he has held a 54-hole lead

There was a moment in the middle of the afternoon Saturday at Royal Portrush where it still felt like anything was possible at the 2025 Open Championship. All scenarios were still on the table. Hope ran rampant around the property as the third round trundled on and player after player made birdie after birdie.

Rory McIlroy plots stunning Royal Portrush comeback as Scottie Scheffler leads - Rory McIlroy hopes to chase down Scottie Scheffler, who leads by four shots at Royal Portrush in his bid to win a first

For proof of this dynamic, look no further than the varied reactions to Scottie Scheffler's comments on Tuesday at Royal Portrush. His words revealed not a man searching for purpose, but one who had already found it—words that could help his fellow superstar return from an existential rut.

The top two golfers in the world are firmly in contention at The Open with Scheffler out in front entering another major championship weekend

The world No. 1 leads the British Open by four shots and the SI Golf team debates whether the world No. 2 is the man to possibly run him down.

Rory, spurned on by the thousands of Northern Irish fans at Royal Portrush, posted a 66 to head into Sunday six shots back of leader Scottie Scheffler.