Dominant world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler takes a four-shot lead into the final round of the British Open on Sunday leaving local hero Rory McIlroy praying for a miracle.McIlroy dubbed his American rival’s brilliance over the first three days at Royal Portrush as “inevitable” as he maintains a stunning run of form that has already seen Scheffler claim the PGA Championship this year.

McIlroy received a rock star ovation on the first tee in scenes akin to the reception players receive when starring in A-list team events such as the Ryder Cup. And the cries from the crowd continued onto the course but they had little effect on Scheffler who marched to the beat of his own tune.

The top two golfers in the world are firmly in contention at The Open with Scheffler out in front entering another major championship weekend

Home favourite Rory McIlroy birdied three of his first holes to begin a third-round charge in perfect scoring conditions at the British Open on Saturday.

Follow live as golf’s oldest major begins at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland with all eyes on local star Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy gave the home crowd plenty to roar about on Saturday, but he's playing a distant fifth on the leaderboard

Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1 golfer in the world, but even he doesn't really understand the fuss. Just two days before the year's final major tees off, Scheffler admitted he doesn't understand "the point" of becoming the best golfer in the world - or an elite professional in any sport,

Rory, spurred on by the thousands of Northern Irish fans at Royal Portrush, posted a 66 to head into Sunday six shots back of leader Scottie Scheffler.