The sentimental angle is also in play with McIlroy because The Open is being played in his home country of Northern Ireland. Scheffler, McIlroy and Jon Rahm are considered the three favorites to win the Claret Jug, as they have been for most of the major-tournament season.

And it will happen, again, when Northern Ireland’s Royal Portrush hosts the 153rd edition of the game’s oldest major. In turn, it will create anxiousness for the 156 players in the field waiting to see if where their names land on the starter’s sheet and whether that might leave them on the “good” or “bad” side of the draw.