U.S. golfer Scottie Scheffler plays from the rough on the 17th hole on Sunday at the 153rd Open Championship. Scheffler finished the tournament first, three shots ahead of second place.ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP/Getty Images
On the final day of this year’s Open, the weather took a turn for the Californian and several golfers made big pushes up the board. Canada’s Corey Conners was one of the big movers, posting a five-under for the day.
On Friday, Conners was one stroke from being cut. Over the weekend, he jumped forty spots to finish tied for tenth.
“I really did feel good about my game the first couple of days. I just wasn’t able to score the ball,” Conners said, then his voice dipped ruefully. “If I could restart the tournament …”
Bryson DeChambeau also surged, going from two-under to nine-under. Noted cap enthusiast Rickie Fowler was nearly there, improving by six strokes.
Scheffler celebrates his victory with his wife, Meredith, and son, Bennett, on Sunday.Francisco Seco/The Associated Press
In most tournaments, this would have made for a dramatic final day. But not in ones that Scottie Scheffler is leading.
The laconic world number one started the day in first, and spent most of it spitting gravel at everyone behind him. He finished the tournament at -17, three shots ahead of second place.
Walking up the 18th fairway, the crowd gave him a major ovation. Scheffler tipped his cap and looked embarrassed by the attention. It was the only moment on the course you sensed any discomfort in him.
While others waxed and waned with the elements, Scheffler played the entire tournament as if rain doesn’t touch him. His signature image was standing diffidently in a hoodie while water swirled around him. We’re all waterproof, but Scheffler is somehow moreso. His worst round was a three-under-par 68.
This run of major form now gets a major test. The next golf slam isn’t for nine months – the 2026 Masters.
The great question between now and then – is Scheffler on a great run of form? Or, at 29, is the Texan only beginning to prove that he is an all-timer?
Jack Nicklaus won ten majors after he turned 30. Can Scheffler be Nicklaus?
If the player who showed up in Portrush appears four or five more times over the same number of years, it’s the latter.
Editor’s note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Scheffler became the first man to win two majors in a year since Brooks Koepka seven years ago. That reference has been removed.