Scheffler Defies the Odds at the Open: The Masters Champion Leading America’s Charge

Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer and reigning Masters champion, stands at the forefront of America’s bid for Open glory, backed by a historical precedent at Royal Troon. With six of the last seven Opens being claimed by American golfers, Scheffler aims to add his name to the illustrious list, despite facing significant challenges.

Amid the blustery winds, Scheffler battled through a tough day at the Open, his sights firmly set on leading the American contingent into the weekend. The odds are favorable, with four Americans in the top 10 at the halfway mark, including major winners Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, who are lurking just outside the top positions.

Scheffler’s performance was particularly commendable, given his caddie Ted Scott’s bout with illness. Despite Scott suffering from food poisoning or a stomach bug, which saw him lying down by the 10th tee during a delay in play, he pushed through to support Scheffler. “He did not sleep very much last night, apparently. But he seemed to feel better as the day went on. The doc here took good care of him,” Scheffler reported. “He fought it out. You saw him laying down quite a bit out there, which was pretty funny, but he’s a fighter. He did a good job today and battled through it.”

Scheffler, who is tied for fourth in his fourth Open, reflected on his position: “I feel like I’m in a decent position. I would have liked to be leading but it’s just one of those deals. I’ve played two solid rounds, and it put me five shots back.”

Joining Scheffler in the hunt is Billy Horschel, who matched his efforts with a 68 to sit at two-under-par 140, a remarkable 17-shot improvement from his second round in 2016’s harsher conditions. “It was the nastiest weather I’ve ever played in, blowing 30, raining sideways,” recalled the avid West Ham fan. “It was a brute that day. I’m a heck of a lot better player than I was in 2016, so hopefully, if I was in those conditions again, I could handle it a little bit better.”

Fellow Americans Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, playing together in the first two rounds, finished on one-under 141. Dustin Johnson, with a 69, also remains in contention, despite the absence of his wife, Paulina Gretzky, who is enjoying a vacation in Saint-Tropez. “Her and a couple of friends are in Saint-Tropez. I’ll meet her on Sunday,” Johnson explained, adding, “I don’t blame her” when asked if she disliked the Ayrshire weather.

As the weekend looms, Scheffler and his compatriots aim to continue America’s dominance at the Open, with history and determination on their side.