Scottie Scheffler hailed for ‘wonderful’ gesture towards crowd favourite Shane Lowry at The Open

Scottie Scheffler is a popular figure in the game, but there was no question that Shane Lowry had the crowd on his side at Royal Portrush over the opening two days.

The Irishman had strong backing from the galleries throughout Thursday and Friday, with every good shot met by plenty of support.

Lowry finished even-par for the tournament after being hit with a two-stroke penalty on the 12th hole for accidentally moving his ball at address.

While covering the action for Sky Sports, Rich Beem picked up on something ‘wonderful’ Scheffler did as he and Lowry walked down the 18th fairway on Friday. Beem said: “I love the sign of respect from the other two players, allowing Shane to walk up to the green on his own. Wonderful touch.”

Scheffler and Collin Morikawa both showed real class there. The world No. 1 again showed he is not just a great golfer, he carries himself well too. It’s quite a combination.

Wayne Riley weighs in on Scottie Scheffler’s chances at The Open

Sky Sports commentator Wayne Riley has always been open about his admiration for Scheffler.

Following Scheffler’s round of 64 on Friday, the Australian didn’t hold back in his praise for the world number one.

Riley said: “This guy is seriously good. He is one of those guys with a demeanour like he doesn’t care, really. It’s something that he possesses and we haven’t seen since Tiger Woods. He is by far the best player in the world right now.

“Sure Rory won The Masters but I think it’s very, very simple. We can sit right now looking up at the big yellow famous board, if you beat Scottie Scheffler this week you win. If you’re beating him you’re kissing the Claret Jug on Sunday.

“He has not got a weakness and when you win an Open Championship one thing you have to do is get the ball up and down. You have to chip well and he is unbelievable around the greens.

“His putting surprising enough is not the best, it isn’t the greatest, but when you hit it close time and time again his distance control is phenomenal, like Monty back in the day and Faldo. He is a robot. The guy is just simply incredible.”