Scheffler storms into contention at rain-hit Portrush

WORLD No 1 Scottie Scheffler blamed the wild weather for his wayward driving, but the American still shot a three-under-par 68 in yesterday’s opening round of the British Open to sit one stroke off the early lead.

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Scheffler, grouped with former Open champions Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa, was caught in torrential rain midway through his round at Royal Portrush. He managed to hit just three fairways off the tee, but once the skies cleared, he produced two sublime approach shots to birdie the 16th and 17th, ensuring he remained firmly in the hunt for his maiden Claret Jug.

“When it’s raining sideways, it’s — believe it or not — not that easy to get the ball in the fairway. Thank you guys all for pointing that out,” Scheffler quipped, after his round.