Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

The Chasing Pack at The Open Championship: Why Sunday Might Not Be as Predictable as It Looks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Brendon Elliott | Last updated Jul 19, 2025 6:30 PM ET

Everyone's watching Scottie Scheffler's lead and Rory McIlroy's charge. They're missing the real story: major championships get won by players who stay patient while leaders crack.

Haotong Li sits second at 10-under, four shots back. His third-round 69 wasn't flashy — just steady golf that keeps you alive when others press too hard. Li finished third in his 2017 Open debut. Although he hasn't had as many as his peers on the leaderboard, big moments don't seem to faze him.

Li carries no emotional baggage. McIlroy shoulders a country's hopes. Scheffler chases his first Open. Li can just play golf. That freedom is lethal in majors.

Matt Fitzpatrick trails by five but knows how to close majors. His 2022 U.S. Open proves it. Saturday's 71 wasn't brilliant, but Fitzpatrick grinds results under pressure. If Scheffler stumbles early, Fitzpatrick capitalizes.

The 8-under pack tells major championship truth: anything can happen. Chris Gotterup just won the Genesis Scottish Open and rides that confidence. Harris English has knocked on major doors for years — this could be his breakthrough. Tyrrell Hatton followed his U.S. Open tie for fourth with another solid week and goes low when conditions cooperate.

Russell Henley shot Saturday's best round — 6-under 65, jumping 25 spots. Now eight back. That deficit disappears fast if the right player catches fire.

Weather changes everything. Saturday's calm conditions allowed scoring, but Royal Portrush bites when wind picks up. Scheffler's four-shot cushion shrinks quickly if conditions favor links golf experience.

Psychology matters. Scheffler has been perfect for two days. Perfection doesn't sustain under major championship pressure. One bad hole, one unlucky bounce, one doubt — tournament wide open.

Four-shot major leads aren't ever safe. Players have overcome bigger Sunday deficits, and Royal Portrush can certainly create drama when you least expect it. No doubt, the chasing pack needs Scheffler's help, but patience often provides it.

Sunday might crown Scheffler. But don't bet against the pack having something to say first.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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