Scottie Scheffler gets morbid as he comes to British Open on winless streak

OUTHPORT, England — A year ago, Scottie Scheffler sounded like he was in the throes of an existential crisis as he was about to begin playing the 155th British Open at Royal Portrush.Despite the fact that he was entrenched as the world No.1, Scheffler, in his pre-tournament press conference at Portrush, morphed into an out-of-the-blue, deep, meaning-of-life riff with reporters that left most walking out of that interview room bewildered at what they’d just heard.Then, five days later, Scheffler went out and won the Open, securing the third leg of the career Grand Slam.On Tuesday, in advance of this week’s 156th Open Championship at dry, firm and crispy Royal Birkdale, Scheffler joked with reporters that “I’ll try to keep that stuff to myself this week.’’“It’s weird I said that stuff last year,’’ he said.

“I guess the gist of it was, what’s the point? I felt like if you listen to the whole thing — I don’t even feel like I recommend anyone doing that — (but) if you’re going to write about it, please watch the whole five minutes.“I guess the point for me was like always figuring out your ‘why,’ like why am I doing this? Why do I want to win this tournament so badly? Why do I choose to play this sport for a living? When I have a really good understanding of what my ‘why’ is when I’m playing, that’s when I’m always at peace the most.’’There has been speculation about whether Scheffler has been at peace this year with his frustration seemingly growing with each week he leaves a golf tournament without a trophy.Scheffler, coming off winning six times in 2025, including the PGA Championship and the British Open, and seven times in 2024, including the Masters, Players Championship and Tour Championship, has one win in 2026.That was the American Express in January, which must feel like six years ago to him.He’s played in 15 tournaments this year, winning that one time, finishing second four times, third two times and i...