Scottie Scheffler was a genius for nearly all of the week at Royal Portrush, and the result was a masterclass major performance in which the Texan essentially toyed with the field, ultimately winning by four shots while beating the next two best players in the world, No. 2 Rory McIlroy and No. 3 Xander Schauffele each by five shots.

The easy joke that came to mind as Scottie Scheffler removed his cap and strode up the 18th fairway Sunday at Royal Portrush Golf Club, the British Open long since grabbed by the throat: Will he enjoy his fourth major championship for more than two minutes?