Scheffler eases to victory at The Open by four strokes

You could be mistaken for believing none of this truly matters to Scottie Scheffler, the new Champion Golfer of the Year.

- JACK RATHBORN

After all, he caused a stir earlier this week when he conceded that golf is just not "a fulfilling life" to him. But as the American cruised to a fourth major, eclipsing the field at Royal Portrush by four strokes with a dominant total of -17, the man’s presence in the game became apparent. The satisfaction is in the manner of his dominance. A unique dominance.

A yearning from the sport to elevate him into the same conversation as Tiger Woods has long since begun. A 10th consecutive win after holding the outright 54-hole lead, a habit that followed Woods throughout his career over a staggering run of 37 events. But Scheffler, so often unflappable and steely-eyed, sprinkled in a few moments at Royal Portrush to suggest he is carving out a path of his own, especially with his personality.

The legends in sport so often remove drama at their best, it is why Rory Mcllroy’s vulnerability has won him more fans, but, in all probability, when their careers are over, fewer major championships. A birdie on the first hole extinguished “McIlroy Mania”, and two more birdies followed on four and five.