Round 3 of The Open 2025: Scottie Scheffler and the shadow of Tiger Woods

Highlights of round 3 of The Open 2025. Source: The R&A

Scottie Scheffler being the world's No. 1 golfer is more than just a number or a line on an official ranking sheet.

It’s the superiority he exudes on the golf course when he’s at his best. It’s the feeling of being in complete control of every shot, the ball bewitched and obedient.

It's the unbelievable simplicity with which he masters an incredibly complex technical sport .

That's exactly what's happening at The Open Championship , at Royal Portrush – where Scheffler leads by a whopping -14 strokes, four strokes ahead of Li Haotong, five strokes ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick, and six strokes ahead of Rory McIlroy, Chris Gotterup, Harris English and Tyrrell Hatton.

Scottie Scheffler The Open round 3.jpg — Scheffler played dominantly. Photo: Imagn Images

It was Scheffler, and then the rest of the golf. An eagle on hole 7 and two more birdies later confirmed his absolute dominance.

If there is anything that still holds the game back, it is because the American golfer has been “relentless” and has not closed the tournament early – even though there is no shortage of opportunities.

Scheffler's dominance reminded golf fans of Tiger Woods in his prime – the man who revolutionized the sport, both on the course and commercially.

In fact, for many people, Scheffler is making Tiger Woods forget. “The Tiger” has not returned from a series of surgeries or injuries, and is unlikely to compete for the title.

Of course, Royal Portrush has many other stories to tell, other dreams to pursue.

Scheffler scored an eagle on hole 7. Source: The Open

Li Haotong is hoping to become the first Chinese golfer to win a major, after shooting -2 in round 3 (4 birdies and 2 bogeys).

Meanwhile, Fitzpatrick and McIlroy are desperate to bring the British crown back to Europe – something no one has done since Shane Lowry in 2019.

But it all depends on Scheffler. The 29-year-old golfer is aiming for his fourth major title in his career, after two green jackets at The Masters (2022 and 2024), and this year's PGA Championship.

If Scheffler completes The Open this time, he only needs the US Open to complete the prestigious Grand Slam set.

Scheffler would then become only the second golfer in history to win a British major while still world number one – the other being the great Tiger Woods.

“In terms of shot-making, he's probably the best in the game right now,” McIlroy, who had his best round of the tournament (66), praised Scheffler.

Indeed, it would be a huge surprise if Scheffler did not lift the Claret Jug trophy – in the 153rd edition of The Open.