There was a moment in the middle of the afternoon Saturday at Royal Portrush where it still felt like anything was possible at the 2025 Open Championship. All scenarios were still on the table. Hope ran rampant around the property as the third round trundled on and player after player made birdie after birdie.

The Open Championship isn't over. McIlroy and everyone else in contention have to believe they have a chance. But they're chasing a guy who's almost impossible to catch.

Rory McIlroy (2.20pm tee time) has already achieved that last feat and is lurking ominously in a tie for fourth position on eight-under, six strokes behind leader Scheffler. "I've come here really just trying to embrace it," said McIlroy after round three.