Scheffler voices doubts
One would imagine three-time major champion Scottie Scheffler would be desperate to continue American domination of the British Open and lift the Claret Jug for the first time this week at Royal Portrush.
The 29-year-old is the bookmakers' favourite after a stunningly consistent season including winning the PGA Championship and during his pre-tournament press conference yesterday he spoke of his growing love for links golf.
But when asked how long he celebrates his victories, an introspective Scheffler veered off into questioning what was even the point of being the best golfer in the world.
"It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate winning a tournament for like a few minutes," he said.
"It only lasts a few minutes, that kind of euphoric feeling."
Scheffler has been world No1 for 112 consecutive weeks and has earned more than $US87 million ($NZ146.2 million) in prize money on the PGA Tour and says he loves living out his dreams.
But he admits he has a daily wrestle for what it all means.
"Is it great to be able to win tournaments and to accomplish the things I have in the game of golf? Yeah, it brings tears to my eyes just to think about.
"That kind of sense of accomplishment is a pretty cool feeling. But at the end of the day, I'm not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers. I'm not out here to inspire someone to be the best player in the world because what's the point? This is not a fulfilling life.
Scheffler has a 14-month-old son Bennett with his wife Meredith and said they remained more important than any golf accolades.
• New Zealand No 1 Ryan Fox has been paired with 2022 US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick and 2021 Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.
Fox, who has two PGA Tour wins this year, is playing in his 25th major tournament.
Fellow Kiwi golfer Daniel Hillier will join former Masters champion Zach Johnson and Englishman Daniel Brown when the Open tees off tonight.
- Reuters/APL
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