Scottie Scheffler proves his ranking on Northern Ireland’s rugged coastline.

Cracking the Links-Code

Growing up in warm, mostly wind‑free Texas, Scheffler’s résumé once showed a gap: true links golf. After Thursday’s opening round, that flaw looks patched. The 28‑year‑old carded a 3‑under 68—just one shot behind the early clubhouse leader—despite ever‑changing gusts and cold drizzle.

A Brief but Promising Open History

This championship is only Scheffler’s fifth Open start, yet he already owns two top‑10s. Each trip offers new notes on pot bunkers, uneven lies and seaside squalls—and with every note, his confidence rises.

Scrambling Masterclass

He struck just three fairways all day, but sharp recovery play kept him near the summit. The par‑4 17th highlighted his poise: acknowledging that “a bit of moisture between clubface and ball can be tricky,” he steadied himself and escaped with birdie. That composure encapsulated the round.

Perspective Off the Course, Focus On It

Earlier in the week he spoke about golf’s place in life’s bigger picture; minutes after signing his card, he narrowed his gaze. “This week,” he said, “I’m here to play well enough to win.”

Finishing Kick and Friday Start

Only bogeys at 9 and 11 blemished the card, but Scheffler closed birdie‑birdie‑par over Royal Portrush’s famously perilous final stretch. He’ll set off Friday at 10:10 a.m. ET, intent on extending his hard‑earned command of links golf.

Good luck to the chasing pack.