Outside the (Tee)box

British golf fans are protective of the Open Championship.

Falling at the end of the golfing calendar, it’s our moment in the spotlight as players venture on a yearly pilgrimage to pay their respects to where the sport was born.

There is something satisfying about seeing these seasoned pros, so used to the sultry climate of their Miami homes, struggle in the blustery conditions, as they trudge round a links course like soggy frogs in anoraks.

So, to see Scottie Scheffler stroll round Royal Portrush like it was just another day at the office has irked many British golf enthusiasts.

Sitting at 14-under and four shots clear, the likelihood of his victory seemed inevitable before the start of play on Sunday, and the field realised it too.

Matt Fitzpatrick spoke honestly about his hope that Scheffler would have a “blow-up”, but his tone suggested this was wishful thinking. In the uncharacteristically still conditions Royal Portrush was disarmed, and the stage was set for his victory lap.

Was it boring to see the world number one win our special tournament with such ease? A little bit, yes. But should we hold this against him in bitterness? Absolutely not.

The demeanour of Scottie Scheffler was a discussion point all the way through his final round. How he takes everything in his stride, and would be unlikely to feel the level of emotion that would satisfy British golf fans who hold the Open so dearly.

Scheffler’s humility can come across as “boring”. He was never going to walk down the eighteenth with his arms aloft, gee-ing up the crowd or collapsing to his knees after sinking the final putt, it’s not in his character. And after admitting he’d liked to have seen more of Portrush, this did not mean he was about to hit the town to celebrate his victory.

But what transpired on the eighteenth green was emotional viewing. Watching his son Bennett stumble as he ran towards the Claret Jug, to be met by the embrace of his father. It may not have been solely about golf but the golf provided that moment, and that is the fuel that keeps Scheffler untouchable at his best.

Scheffler undoubtedly enjoyed the moment and should not face criticism for not being emotional enough.

He played the course to perfection so that by the final day he was able to be risk free, hitting the middle of the greens and knocking in his pars. It may not have been the dogfight everyone hoped for, but sport isn’t scripted, and he’s trying to win in the most efficient way.

This is the case in all sport. If a football team are a goal up and they get a corner kick late in the game, they’re not going to send the keeper up. Why create jeopardy when there isn’t any?

So, if these championships are going to be less “boring”, the rest of the pack simply need to raise their game and make it a contest.