PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland — Scottie Scheffler was quick to point out the British Open was only at the halfway point at Royal Portrush. Considering the world's No. 1 player was in the lead, it felt like a sprint Saturday for so many players to catch up.

Scottie Scheffler takes grip of Open as Rory McIlroy charges up leaderboard - Scheffler scored an eagle and birdie in back-to-back holes to open up a gap.

Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, the site of Shane Lowry's triumph in 2019. As has been the case all year, the strong favorites entering the tournament are Scottie Scheffler (9/2) and Rory McIlroy (7-1).