The Open Championship Golf, Day 3: Scottie Scheffler Surges Clear Despite Rory Mcilroy Charge

Rory McIlroy delivered the entertainment at The Open, but Scottie Scheffler is in a commanding position heading into the final round.

Scheffler is four strokes clear after a thrilling day at Royal Portrush, where the world number one went round in 67 to finish on 14-under par after 54 holes.

He has won the past nine events in which he has held a 54-hole lead.

"I think the card could look stress-free, but I had two really nice par saves on the back nine that were key," said Scheffler.

"I made a nice eight-footer on 11, another one on 14, so two really important putts I felt like.

"I think anytime you can keep a clean card around a major championship, you're going to be having a pretty good day."

McIlroy, though, provided the spark. 

The Northern Irishman birdied three of his opening four holes, and sank an incredible, long-distance eagle putt on the 12th.

That putt came after McIlroy had stunningly unearthed a buried ball while hitting out of the rough on the 11th.

McIroy carded 66, finishing the day tied in fourth place on eight-under par, alongside Chris Gotterup, Harris English and Tyrrell Hatton, one shot ahead of Xander Schauffele.

China's Haotong Li is second after a two-under par 69, with Matt Fitzpatrick in third.

But it is Scheffler who looks all set to win his first Open title, and a second major crown of the year.

"I like being out here competing," said Scheffler, who is closing in on his fourth major triumph.

"This is why we work so hard is to have opportunities like this, and I'm excited for the challenge of tomorrow. Winning major championships is not an easy task, and I've put myself in a good position.

"Going into Sunday I'm going to step up there on the first tee and I'm going to be trying to get the ball in the fairway, and when I get to the second shot I'm going to be trying to get that ball on the green. There's not really too much else going on."

Bryson DeChambeau carded 68, but is back at two-under par overall, behind a group that includes Tommy Fleetwood and Keegan Bradley.

Shane Lowry is also out of contention, though Justin Rose sank eight birdies to propel himself to five under.