PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – Xander Schauffele believes he needs a “blackout” performance in the final round of The Open to have any chance of catching Scottie Scheffler, who continues to extend his lead at Royal Portrush.
Despite shooting a third-round 66 to move into the top 10, Schauffele understands the monumental task of overcoming a commanding lead held by the world No. 1. When asked to clarify what a “blackout” performance entails, he ironically used Scheffler as the prime example.
“For me, when I use the word ‘blackout’ in golf, it’s like when I watch Scottie play a lot. He just looks blacked out to me, just doing his thing,” said Schauffele, who is at 7-under par. “He’s just in his own world, and nothing’s going to bother him. He gets to that place often, which is a good thing for him.”
Schauffele then offered a more lighthearted, alternative definition.
“It’s used in different terms,” he smiled. “If you drink a few too many, if you go to Harbour Bar, there might be a few blacked-out guys there.”
If Scheffler continues his current on-course blackout Sunday, the rest of the field may well be tempted by Schauffele’s second definition and a trip to the local pub.
Source link