World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has dismissed concerns about his golf legacy ahead of the Open Championship, where he will defend the Claret Jug.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, Scheffler offered a philosophical take on his career achievements.
“I have never once thought about how I’m going to be remembered,” he said. “To me, it truly doesn’t matter from a sense of accomplishment.”
He added: “When I die, ‘hey, Scottie won four majors and 20 tournaments and he won this much money’.
That has zero effect on me.”
Scheffler missed his first cut in 79 tournaments at the Scottish Open last week, but remained upbeat.
When asked about his previous philosophical comments, he smiled and noted that everyone eventually dies.
“Is that going to be a quote after last year’s ‘what’s the point?’” he queried.
“This year we’re all going to die.”
The American golfer emphasized that historical accolades and statistics hold little personal significance.
“History to me isn’t that important,” he said. “I don’t necessarily want to be remembered for winning the tournaments that I won.”
He instead values interpersonal relationships and professional conduct.
“I’d much rather be remembered for the way that I did it: doing things the right way, treating people the right way,” he explained.
Scheffler noted his perspective has matured over time, allowing him to leave competition on the course.
“Some of my best friends in the world I met through playing golf,” he said. “When I was young, I took myself a bit too seriously.”
He added: “I’ve gotten better as I’ve gotten older of letting the competition be the competition, and when you’re done, take your hat off and shake hands and we’re on to the next week.”
Despite only one tournament victory this season, Scheffler said finding his core purpose has brought peace.
“I guess the point for me was figuring out your ‘why’,” he explained. “Why am I doing this?
Why do I want to win this tournament so badly?”
He added: “I think that’s when I’m at peace the most.”
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy shared a similar sentiment when asked about his legacy.
“I don’t really care,” McIlroy replied.
“I would like to think that the people that love and care about me think a certain way of me, but yeah, I’ll be long gone.
I’ll be dead.”
McIlroy, the second favorite to win his seventh major, said he no longer focuses solely on career milestones.
“I don’t think I’ll be seeing what people say about me,” he added. “I’ll be six feet under.
I don’t think I’ll be a ghost.”
He admitted obsessing over records can detract from the experience of competing.
“I think it would be a pretty unfulfilling pursuit if you’re just chasing records and chasing results,” he said.
“You have to enjoy the process. You have to enjoy the journey to get there.”
McIlroy added: “I’ve learned that the hard way at times by chasing results and chasing records too much.”
