There was a moment in the middle of the afternoon Saturday at Royal Portrush where it still felt like anything was possible at the 2025 Open Championship. All scenarios were still on the table. Hope ran rampant around the property as the third round trundled on and player after player made birdie after birdie.

The Open Championship isn't over. McIlroy and everyone else in contention have to believe they have a chance. But they're chasing a guy who's almost impossible to catch.

Roar, Rory, roar! Except the problem for the magnificent McIlroy masses here at the 153rd Open is that it does not seem to matter how loudly they cheer and shout and urge on their home hero.