The tension at Royal Portrush is basically vibrating off the grass right now. If you've ever walked the dunes of Northern Ireland, you know the wind doesn't just blow; it judges you. And heading into the third round of the 153rd Open Championship, the judgment is coming down hard on anyone not named Scottie Scheffler.
Honestly, everyone talks about "Moving Day" like it's some mystical golf holiday where the leaderboard magically reshuffles. Sometimes it does. But usually, it’s just a brutal survival test.
The Saturday Setup at Royal Portrush
Scottie Scheffler is currently sitting at 10-under par after a clinical 64. He’s the world number one for a reason. He doesn't look stressed. He looks like he’s out for a Sunday stroll, except it’s Friday and he’s dismantling the best players in the world.
The open tee times round 3 are officially set, and the final pairing is a heavyweight clash. Scheffler will be walking the fairways with Matt Fitzpatrick, who is just one shot back at 9-under. They’re scheduled to head out at 3:35 p.m. local time (GMT). That’s the slot everyone is eyeing. If Fitzpatrick wants a second major to go with his U.S. Open trophy, he has to find a way to rattle a guy who seemingly has no nerves.
Brian Harman and Haotong Li are right there too, both at 8-under. They’ll go off at 3:25 p.m. local. It’s a fascinating mix of styles. You’ve got Harman’s gritty, bulldog approach versus Li’s flair.
Featured Groups You Can't Miss
Don't just wait for the leaders. Some of the most interesting golf happens way before the final groups.
Rory McIlroy is the hometown hero, obviously. He shot a 69 on Friday to get to 3-under, and the local fans are practically carrying him through the gates. He’s paired with Jordan Smith at 2:30 p.m. The energy in that group is going to be absurd. If Rory can post a 65 or 66 early, the pressure on Scheffler becomes a physical weight.
Then you have the "X-Man," Xander Schauffele. He’s the defending champ. He carded a 69 to stay in the hunt at 2-under. He tees off at 1:40 p.m. alongside Ryggs Johnston. People forget how good Schauffele is at just hanging around until the leaders blink.
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Here is the basic rundown for the heavy hitters:
- 9:30 a.m. ET (2:30 p.m. Local): Rory McIlroy & Jordan Smith
- 10:15 a.m. ET (3:15 p.m. Local): Tyrrell Hatton & Rasmus Højgaard
- 10:25 a.m. ET (3:25 p.m. Local): Haotong Li & Brian Harman
- 10:35 a.m. ET (3:35 p.m. Local): Matt Fitzpatrick & Scottie Scheffler
Why Moving Day is Actually a Trap
Most fans think the goal of Round 3 is to "win" the tournament. That’s wrong. You can't win it on Saturday, but you can definitely lose it.
The conditions at Portrush are famously volatile. According to the latest forecasts, the wind is coming from the south at around 16 mph, with a 25% chance of rain. That doesn't sound like much until you're standing on the 16th tee—"Calamity Corner"—and the Irish Sea starts throwing sideways sleet at your face.
Players like Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm (teeing off at 11:30 a.m.) are veteran enough to know this. They are sitting at even par. In a normal tournament, that’s out of it. At the Open? One bad hour for the leaders and a solid 67 from the early starters changes everything.
How to Watch the Drama
If you’re in the states, grab the coffee. The first group, Matti Schmid and Corey Conners, hits the turf at 4:35 a.m. ET (9:35 a.m. local).
NBC and USA Network are handling the heavy lifting for the broadcast. If you’re a purist, the Peacock stream usually has the "Featured Groups" and "Featured Holes" (usually the par-3 14th and 16th). Watching the ball flight on those holes is basically a physics lesson in how much the wind hates golf balls.
What to Look For Today
Keep an eye on the greens. Portrush is playing firm. If the wind stays under 20 mph, someone is going to go low. But if it gusts? Expect the scoring average to balloon.
Scheffler’s putter is the X-factor. He’s been lights out. If he starts missing those 6-footers for par, the field will smell blood. Fitzpatrick is arguably the better putter statistically, so if it turns into a flat-stick duel, the Englishman has a real shot.
Check the live leaderboards frequently. The open tee times round 3 mean the leaders don't finish until nearly 8:00 p.m. local time. That’s a lot of hours for the weather to flip the script.
Actionable Insights for Round 3:
- Watch the early starters: If players at +1 or +2 are posting 66s, the course is vulnerable.
- Track the wind direction: A shift to the North-West makes the closing stretch at Portrush nearly impossible.
- Focus on par-3 scoring: The 16th hole will decide the winner this weekend. If a leader bogeys there, the momentum shift is usually permanent.
Keep your eyes on the 3:35 p.m. group. That’s where the Claret Jug will likely be won or lost.