Scottie Scheffler Sends Strong Message to Wife Meredith, Son Before Open Championship

Scottie Scheffler is the No. 1 golfer in the world, but even he doesn't really understand the fuss.

Just two days before the year's final major tees off, Scheffler admitted he doesn't understand "the point" of becoming the best golfer in the world - or an elite professional in any sport, for that matter. 

"There’s a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfill them in life, and you get there, you get to No. 1 in the world, and they’re like, what’s the point?" the betting favorite for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush said. “I really do believe that because what is the point? Why do I want to win this tournament so bad? That’s something that I wrestle with on a daily basis.

“It’s like showing up at the Masters every year. It’s like, ‘Why do I want to win this golf tournament so badly? Why do I want to win the Open Championship so badly?’ I don’t know because, if I win, it’s going to be awesome for two minutes. Then we’re going to get to the next week, ‘Hey, you won two majors this year; how important is it for you to win the FedExCup playoffs?’ And we’re back here again."

Scheffler admitted he's competitive and certainly likes to win when he tees it up every week. However, he revealed fulfillment in his life doesn't come from wins on the golf course.

“To get to live out your dreams is very special, but at the end of the day, I’m not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers. I’m not out here to inspire someone to be the best player in the world because what’s the point? 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 three-time major winner revealed his family is the most important thing in his life - even hinting that he'd give golf up if his wife, Meredith, said it was impacting his home life with son Bennett.

"This is not the be-all and end-all. This is not the most important thing in my life. That's why I wrestle with, why is this so important to me? Because I'd much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer. That's what's more important to me," he said.

Scheffler will tee off alongside Shane Lowry and Collin Morikawa at 5:08 a.m. ET on Thursday, July 17.

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