Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have both dismissed the idea that legacy or a place in the history books plays any part in their motivation, as the world’s top two prepare for a shot at a second Claret Jug apiece at Royal Birkdale this week.
According to a fresh update from Sky Sports, McIlroy told reporters at his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday that he does not “really care” how he is remembered once he is “long gone,” while Scheffler, the defending champion, said legacy has “never really” been something that motivates him, adding that he has “never once thought about” how he will be remembered once his career is over.
Scottie Scheffler Reflects On Snapped 78-Event Cut Streak
Scheffler arrives at Birkdale on the back of a rare setback, having missed the cut at last week’s Genesis Scottish Open, his first missed cut since 2022 and the end of a run of 78 consecutive events in which he had played the weekend. The world number one called it “significantly more frustrating” than a runner-up finish, though he added that a weekend off “wasn’t the worst thing in the world” going into his title defence this week.
McIlroy, too, has questions to answer over his form after finishing tied fifth at the Scottish Open despite a closing 64. He said his game “deteriorated” as last week wore on but revealed extra TrackMan sessions since arriving in Southport have him “trending in the right direction” ahead of Thursday’s opening round.
Both players tee off in the 154th Open on Thursday morning, with live coverage on Sky Sports Golf from 6.30am.
