McIlroy has been doing it for a very long time, but there seems little diminishing of appetite. He is determined to contribute to another away win in the Ryder Cup in September and would love an Olympic medal in 2028. There is also the challenge of trying to emerge from Scheffler's long shadow. "All you can do is admire what he does and how he does it," McIlroy said. "What he does is one thing, but how he does it is another. He just goes about his business, doesn't do anything overly flamboyant, but he's the best at executing in the game right now. "It's been absolutely amazing over these past two to three years. All you can do is tip your cap and watch in admiration." Another Open has passed without an English winner, none since Nick Faldo in 1992. But Matt Fitzpatrick's return to form was an encouraging reminder of the 2022 US Open champion's world-class pedigree. In a share of fourth, Fitzpatrick beat Bob MacIntyre by a shot. The Scot tied for seventh, again demonstrating his major credentials following a runner-up finish at June's US Open. Tyrrell Hatton faded on the final day to finish alongside Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and John Parry at seven under and inside the top 20. They also know the man they have to beat if they are to enjoy future major success. Right now McIlroy is the player most likely to challenge Scheffler. "All I can do is focus on myself and try to play the best golf that I can," he said. "I know that, when I do that, I'll have my weeks where I'll contend and hopefully win."