PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland (AP) – On Sunday, Scottie Scheffler commenced his quest for the third leg of the career Grand Slam by entering the final round of the British Open at Royal Portrush with a commanding four-shot lead. This early advantage in the tournament set the stage for a potentially historic concluding day.

Scheffler’s start on the course was nothing short of ideal. From the first cut of rough, he executed an impressive approach shot to the right side of the green, allowing the ball to trickle back and settle just 10 inches from the hole, resulting in a tap-in birdie. This flawless beginning reflected his confidence and skill as he sought to add another major title to his résumé.

Earlier in the year, Scheffler clinched the PGA Championship with a remarkable five-shot victory. He also previously dominated the Masters, winning by four shots in 2022 and by three shots in 2023. Notably, no player has ever secured their first four major titles with a margin of three shots or more, placing Scheffler on the brink of making golf history.

The atmosphere heightened the stakes as fans cheered for their local hero, Rory McIlroy, who was competing in front of a supportive home crowd in Northern Ireland. Despite trailing Scheffler by six shots, McIlroy still aimed for his best closing round in a major while relying on an exceptional performance from the leader.

McIlroy has previously won the Masters, making him the sixth player in history to achieve the career Grand Slam. He appeared more relaxed this year, buoyed by the encouragement from his adoring fans. However, Scheffler also received significant admiration, evidenced by a humorous moment when a fan shouted “Go Rory!” as Scheffler walked by, illustrating the mixed support in attendance.

Paired with Scheffler was Li Haotong from China, who made a strong opening shot that left him just 4 feet from the hole for an early birdie. Unfortunately, he dropped a shot on the subsequent hole but remained a notable contender, having already achieved the highest finish by a Chinese player in a major when he tied for third at Royal Birkdale during the 2017 British Open.

This setup illustrates not only the competitive spirit of the players involved but also the rich tapestry of international talent present in the field. As the final round unfolded, all eyes remained on Scottie Scheffler, poised to potentially join an elite group of players while the crowd rallied behind their favorite local star, Rory McIlroy. The dynamics of competition, home support, and personal achievements created a thrilling atmosphere at the British Open, making it a memorable chapter in the annals of golf history.