Scottie Scheffler’s got the solo lead and the wind in his face. Heading into Saturday’s third round of the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, the world No. 1 sits atop the leaderboard at 10-under, with the field chasing hard and the course set to get spicy.
Scheffler’s masterclass 64 on Friday—his best round ever in a major—has him leading the pack. But with breezy, fast conditions expected and “Moving Day” historically unpredictable, Saturday is shaping up to be full of drama.
Scheffler’s Round of the Year?
Friday looked miserable on paper: wet, windy, and full of bogey potential. But Scheffler looked like he was playing a different course.
He carded eight birdies and a single bogey to shoot 7-under. He walked off the 18th green stone-faced, but the scoreboard told the story. It was the kind of round that separates contenders from the crowd.
The Texas native now holds a one-stroke lead over England’s Matt Fitzpatrick, who fired a smooth 66 and trails by a single shot. The leaderboard is tight, and there’s little room for error.
Scheffler tees off in Saturday’s final group at 10:35 a.m. ET, paired with Fitzpatrick in a heavyweight showdown.
Fitzpatrick, Harman, and Li in the Hunt
Matt Fitzpatrick didn’t blink on Friday either. His bogey-free 66 proved he’s locked in and ready to challenge. The 2022 U.S. Open champ hasn’t always looked this confident at the Open, but this week, he’s dialed.
Just behind them, Brian Harman and Haotong Li are lurking at 8-under. Harman shot a clean 65, while Li posted a 67 that had more ups and downs than a carnival ride—but it got the job done.
Both men tee off at 10:25 a.m. ET and will be keeping a close eye on the scoreboard.
• Fitzpatrick: -9 (2nd place)
• Harman: -8 (T-3rd)
• Haotong Li: -8 (T-3rd)
• Rory McIlroy: -6 (T-6th)
Rory McIlroy, playing in front of a raucous home crowd, sits four strokes back. He goes off at 9:30 a.m. and will need something electric to close the gap.
Weather, Course Conditions Could Flip the Script
Royal Portrush isn’t cutting anyone slack this weekend. After two days of wind and sporadic rain, Saturday’s conditions are expected to be firm, fast, and breezy—classic Open material.
That makes every shot a little more dangerous. Fairways can repel even the best drives, and putts can roll longer than planned. It also means scoring could go either way depending on who manages the chaos best.
As history tells us, Moving Day at The Open is when momentum either builds or breaks.
Look no further than Bryson DeChambeau for proof. He shot a ghastly 78 in Round 1, barely made the cut, then turned around with a second-round 65. Love him or hate him, he doesn’t fold easily.
Saturday Tee Times: Big Names in Prime Spots
The marquee groups are loaded with firepower. The final four pairings alone feature five major champions and three past Open contenders.
Here’s a look at the most notable Saturday tee times (all ET):
| Player Pairing | Tee Time |
|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler / Matt Fitzpatrick | 10:35 a.m. |
| Brian Harman / Haotong Li | 10:25 a.m. |
| Rory McIlroy / Min Woo Lee | 9:30 a.m. |
| Bryson DeChambeau / Tommy Fleetwood | 9:15 a.m. |
A lot can change over 18 holes—especially at Portrush. It’s not just about the swing. It’s about the grind.
How and Where to Watch Saturday’s Action
You’ll need to set the alarm early. Coverage kicks off before sunrise for most U.S. viewers, but if you’re a fan of high-stakes golf, it’s more than worth it.
The early rounds and featured groups stream on Peacock starting at 5:00 a.m. ET. The main broadcast begins on USA Network at 7:00 a.m. ET, and fans can also catch the action through FuboTV’s live stream.
Peacock is handling early group coverage, so if you’re up early, that’s your best shot at seeing McIlroy, DeChambeau, or Fleetwood before the leaders hit the course.
And if you’re watching from the couch, coffee in hand, just remember: things get real fast at The Open.
