Scottie Scheffler questions motivation behind major pursuit ahead of the The Open

Scheffler, the dominant player on the PGA Tour in recent seasons and favourite to win the 153rd Open, spoke candidly during Tuesday's media session about the emotional toll of elite competition. Despite 21 career wins across all levels-including three titles in 2025 and an Olympic gold medal last year  he said the success often feels hollow.

"This is not a fulfilling life. It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart," the 29-year-old said.

"You get to number one in the world, and you're like, 'What's the point?' I wrestle with that daily."

Scheffler questioned the pursuit of individual tournaments, particularly the majors, suggesting the feeling of victory is fleeting and quickly replaced by pressure to win again.

"If I win, it's going to be awesome - for about two minutes," he said. "Then it's on to the next week, and people are asking about the FedEx Cup. It feels like you work your whole life to celebrate for a few minutes."

The American has not missed a cut since August 2022 and has finished in the top 25 in every start this season. He currently has eight top-10 finishes from 15 events in 2025 and nearly 88 million dollars in career earnings on the PGA Tour. However, he said none of that would matter if it began affecting his personal life.

"If my golf ever started affecting my home life, or the relationship I have with my wife or my son, that would be the last day I play professionally," Scheffler said. "This is not the be-all and end-all. I'd much rather be a great father than a great golfer."

Scheffler will begin his bid for a second major of the year later this week, but his comments suggest the emotional demands of the game now weigh as heavily as the competitive ones.