Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas collapse in spectacular fashion at The Open

Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas collapse in spectacular fashion at The Open

As Scottie Scheffler glanced at the weather forecast for the final day of The Open, anticipation coursed through him. The elements had mercilessly lashed Royal Troon on Saturday, but predictions promised calmer winds ahead. This meant a golden opportunity: birdies on the front nine followed by a gripping battle to maintain the lead.

Scheffler, along with his Ryder Cup teammate Justin Thomas, found themselves within striking distance of the leaders. At precisely 13:34, Thomas approached the first tee box, a mix of expectation and hope evident in his demeanor. He knew a round in the 60s could place the coveted claret jug within his grasp by the end of the day.

However, at 13:36, Thomas’s tournament took a disastrous turn. Reaching into his Tour bag for a fresh golf ball, he had just hit one of the wildest tee shots of the year, carving it so far right it nearly ended up on the beach. Shot tracking couldn’t even register it. This catastrophic error resulted in a triple bogey, effectively ending his challenge right at the outset.

Scheffler’s journey was markedly different but equally dramatic. Two consecutive birdies on the 7th and 8th holes propelled the world number one closer to the top of the leaderboard. Yet, just as his hopes soared, they were dashed at the 9th hole. Out of nowhere, he incurred a double bogey, a blow that extinguished his chances of claiming a third major title.

The reigning Masters Champion’s expression spoke volumes as he navigated the rollercoaster of emotions. The dream of another major slipped through his fingers, leaving him to wait another eight months for a shot at defending his green jacket.

In the end, it was a day of what-ifs and near-misses for Scottie Scheffler—a testament to the unpredictable nature of golf and the relentless quest for greatness.