Just one factor was on Rory McIlroy’s thoughts as he ready for the ultimate spherical of The 153rd Open – and it actually wasn’t golf.
McIlroy can be seeking to go low on Sunday at Royal Portrush and pile the stress on runaway chief Scottie Scheffler.
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Scheffler holds a four-shot lead over the sphere heading into the ultimate spherical with McIlroy beginning the day an extra two strokes behind.
If McIlroy can go on a heater like he did on Saturday and power Scheffler into some early errors, we could possibly be arrange for an exciting conclusion to the 2025 Open Championship.
However you’d be forgiven for not understanding the stakes had been that prime based mostly on McIlroy’s pre-round antics.
The chilled-out Northern Irishman wasn’t frightened about swing ideas or membership alternatives as he headed to the vary along with his caddie Harry Diamond.
As a substitute, the one factor he might take into consideration was his Saturday night time leisure – the blockbuster film Oppenheimer.
McIlroy has revealed a number of occasions prior to now that he enjoys specializing in a e book or film throughout main championship weeks to assist distract himself from the matter at hand.
This week, he’s determined to look at Christopher Nolan’s World Struggle II epic and he was overheard discussing the plot of the movie with Diamond as he started his ultimate spherical prep.
“Do you know that they dropped that Atomic Bomb on Japan…” McIlroy could possibly be heard saying on the tv broadcast as he adopted his caddie to the follow facility.
McIlroy additionally mentioned his plans to complete off the three-hour film on Sunday morning.
“I began Oppenheimer final night time and I will attempt to get by way of one other hour of it tonight and possibly end it tomorrow morning,” he mentioned after his third spherical.
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“Other than that, simply hold my thoughts off of issues. I at all times do higher with distraction so if I can simply distract myself and get my thoughts on one thing else that is at all times an excellent plan for me.”
McIlroy shot 66 on Saturday to offer himself an opportunity within the ultimate spherical.
However Scheffler’s brilliance in Portrush this week has seen him firmly put one hand on the Claret Jug.
Nonetheless, ought to the world primary slip up, McIlroy, spurred on by his adoring house followers in County Antrim, will hope to pounce.
“It was unimaginable, it was a lot enjoyable, I received off to the proper begin, three-under by way of 4,” McIlroy added.
“To play these final seven holes at three-under I assumed was an excellent effort. I performed effectively, I rode my luck at occasions, however I really feel like I’ve at the very least given myself half an opportunity tomorrow.
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“However he is enjoying like Scottie. I do not suppose it is a shock. Everybody’s seen the best way he is performed or performs during the last two or three years.
“He is simply so stable. He does not make errors. He is turned himself into a extremely constant putter as effectively so there does not appear to be any weak point there.
“Everytime you’re attempting to chase down a man like that, it is onerous to do. However he is extremely spectacular.”