Rory McIlroy admitted he faces a tough task to reel in world number one Scottie Scheffler at The Open, trailing by six shots heading into the final day at Royal Portrush. The Northern Irishman carded a third-round 66 to reach eight under par, but Scheffler's 67 extended his overnight lead to four, with McIlroy another two strokes behind.
McIlroy rode a wave of local support, making three birdies in his first four holes to fuel hopes of a special comeback. However, a bogey on the 11th after a bizarre incident where his shot dislodged a buried ball stalled his momentum, before he responded with a stunning 56-foot eagle putt on the 12th.
Reflecting on his round, McIlroy said: "It was incredible, so much fun. I got off to the perfect start. I feel like I've at least given myself half a chance tomorrow." He acknowledged Scheffler's consistency, adding: "He's so solid. He doesn't make mistakes. It's hard to chase down a guy like that."
To take his mind off the challenge, McIlroy revealed he is watching the three-hour film Oppenheimer. "I started it last night and I'll try to get through another hour tonight and maybe finish it tomorrow morning," he said. "I always do better with distraction."
