Scheffler earned his first Claret Jug by running away from the field over the weekend before winning by four shots. McIlroy finished tied for seventh, seven shots behind Scheffler. After his round he paid Scheffler the highest of praise, saying:

Scheffler played bogey-free on Saturday, has only one bogey in his past two rounds and three all week. He does not — and will not — back up.

World number one Scottie Scheffler will be overwhelming favourite to claim his first British Open title when he begins his final round with a four-stroke lead of a packed chasing field at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

Scottie Scheffler ignited his bid for a maiden British Open title by surging through the field to take a one-shot lead after the second round at Royal Portrush on Friday. The world number one brushed aside two torrential rain showers in Northern Ireland to fire a seven-under par 64,