After a bogey at the par-5 sixth, Scottie Scheffler birdied the seventh and eighth holes to get within two strokes of the lead Sunday at The Open Championship.
The world No. 1, seeking his second major of the season, was at 4 under par in a bunched final round at Royal Troon.
But, as has been the case all too often, Scheffler’s putter failed him.
Just off the green in two shots at the par-4 ninth, Scheffler putted from 45 feet to within 7 feet. He then ran his par effort 3 feet past the hole and missed the comebacker for bogey.
The double bogey dropped the Masters champion to 2 under par, four behind leaders.
Scheffler parred his next six holes on the back nine before a birdie at the par-5 16th. By then, however, he was out of contention.
He concluded his week with another double bogey when his tee shot on the par-4 18th went screaming low and left into the native area, totaling just 176 yards. His ball was found but he took a penalty shot for an unplayable lie.
Scheffler’s 1-over 72 put him at 1 under par for the championship, tied for seventh place and eight back of champion Xander Schauffele.
