Scheffler won by four shots Sunday at Royal Portrush, his fourth major victory and first in an Open Championship.

Just three days after his existential rumination on just why he plays golf and his stirring confession that it was “not a fulfilling life,” Scheffler posted an opening 68 before accelerating to the front with a career-low major round of 64 and shooting 67 to extend his lead.

Scheffler is currently the favorite (+320) to win the 2026 U.S. Open trophy and complete the grand slam, per DraftKings Sportsbook. And for those seeking a cosmic sign that Scottie will indeed make history that week, the Sunday of next year's U.S. Open final round happens to be Scheffler's 30th birthday: June 21, 2026.

You could be mistaken for believing none of this truly matters to Scottie Scheffler, the new Champion Golfer of the Year. After all, he caused a stir earlier this week when he conceded that golf is just not “a fulfilling life” to him.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy birdied three of his first holes to begin a third-round charge in perfect scoring conditions at the British Open on Saturday.

Scheffler now has three career grand slam legs locked up along with his first Champion Golfer of the Year title

Rory, spurred 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.

Thunderous roars wafted across the County Antrim coast, the loudest for some McIlroy magic, but world number one Scheffler was laser-focused to move to 14 under par and a four-stroke lead heading to the final day.