Scottie Scheffler ‘couldn’t care less’ about being British Open favourite

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Scottie Scheffler plays out from a bunker during a practice round at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland on July 16.

PHOTO: REUTERS

PORTRUSH – Scottie Scheffler said on July 15 that he does “not care” about being the tournament favourite as he prepares for his latest tilt at a maiden Open Championship title this week at Royal Portrush.

The world No. 1 has never seriously threatened to win a Claret Jug, but is again enjoying a run of supreme form and arrives in Northern Ireland as the PGA Champion.

The American has emphatically rebounded from a slow start to 2025 after suffering a freak hand injury cutting himself on a wine glass, reeling off 10 successive top-10 finishes, including three victories.

“I could not care any less about being the favourite or not being the favourite,” he said.

“We all start even par and the tournament starts on Thursday. That’s pretty much all that matters.”

Scheffler produced his best Open finish in 2024 with a tie for seventh, but ended his tournament at Troon in ignominious style with an embarrassing topped tee shot on the 18th en route to a closing double-bogey.

He has never missed the cut at the links Major before, though, and believes he has what it takes to lift the Claret Jug.

“In terms of links golf, I love the style of golf. I think it’s really fun and you have to be creative,” Scheffler added.

“You