SOUTHPORT, England — Scottie Scheffler spent the week navigating the leaderboards, trying to defend his title at the British Open.
Despite his efforts, he ended up just three strokes shy of taking the top spot.
Having scored 13 wins in the 2024-2025 season but only one this year, Scheffler aimed to close the gap on the leaders during Sunday’s round. Unfortunately, his putting let him down once again.
He managed a 3-under 67, wrapping up the tournament tied for fourth with a total score of 7 under par.
“Today was a strong effort,” Scheffler remarked post-game. “I did a lot of self-reflection out there. I suppose it just wasn’t my week. That stings.”
He added, “I felt proud of my play this week, even if things didn’t go my way. Mentally, I felt really solid throughout.”
On a different note, Rory McIlroy didn’t have the best Open Week but concluded on a fitting note, shooting a 1-over 71 in the final round for a total of 1-under par.
“I felt stuck in neutral most of the week,” McIlroy shared after finishing. “Even when I gained some momentum, I’d end up making bogey. It was just one of those weeks where I couldn’t really get going.”
This week will also be remembered for McIlroy’s sharp comments aimed at Bryson DeChambeau on Saturday.
When asked if DeChambeau should participate in September’s Irish Open at Doonbeg, owned by Trump, McIlroy responded, “Having someone like Bryson at the Irish Open would be great for the tournament.”
Meanwhile, Southport’s own Tommy Fleetwood drew energy from the crowd, starting strong in the final round. After eight holes, he was 3 under, placing him at 8 under overall, just two strokes behind the leader.
However, the momentum didn’t last. Bogeys on the ninth, tenth, and eleventh dropped him to 5 under.
With tears in his eyes, he walked off the course, basking in the loud cheers of the crowd.
“Walking down the 18 was quite emotional,” he commented. “I’m upset I didn’t win, especially being in such a good position…but the atmosphere there was beyond what I could have envisioned.”
“Southport holds a special place in my heart; it’s where I was born and raised. I usually don’t get this emotional, but it was a heavy moment. The crowd was incredible.”
In other news, Chris Gotterup from Little Silver, New Jersey, who tied for third in last year’s British Open, withdrew on Sunday. He finished the tournament with a 3-under 67 but struggled to find his footing throughout the week.
