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The Open Championship
SportGolf

Golf, what’s the point of it all? Major winner Scheffler says, ahead of Open quest

Three-time major champion Scottie Scheffler says sport is not fulfilling and he doesn’t see need to inspire next generation

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Scottie Scheffler hits his tee shot on the 9th hole during a practice round for the Open Championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club, Northern Ireland. Photo: AP
Reuters

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 on Tuesday 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.

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“It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate winning a tournament for like a few minutes,” Olympic champion Scheffler said. “It only lasts a few minutes, that kind of euphoric feeling.

“To win the Byron Nelson Championship at home, I literally worked my entire life to become good at golf to have an opportunity to win that tournament. You win it, you celebrate, hug my family, my sister’s there, it’s an amazing moment. Then it’s like, OK, what we eating for dinner? Life goes on.”

Bryson DeChambeau signs autographs by the 9th green at Royal Portrush. Photo: AP
Bryson DeChambeau signs autographs by the 9th green at Royal Portrush. Photo: AP

Scheffler has been world number one for 112 consecutive weeks and has earned more than $87 million in prize money on the PGA Tour, and says he loves living out his dreams.

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