ST ANDREWS, Scotland: Scottie Scheffler has quietly climbed to the top of the world rankings and is finding life is a little different as he tries to continue his stellar year at the British Open.
The 26-year-old American won the Masters and tied for second at the US Open, making him one of the favorites to lift the Claret Jug at St Andrews on Sunday.
“It’s definitely different when I go out and play practice rounds and people are around and I come in here to do these things,” Scheffler told reporters Wednesday.
“Six months ago I definitely wasn’t asked to come into the press room unless I’d won.
“But it’s fun to be different. It’s fun to interact with the fans during my practice laps when things are a bit easier. It was definitely a good time.”
Scheffler doesn’t feel burdened by the burden of being the best golfer in the world.
“I don’t feel like there’s any more pressure on me,” he said. “Being the home of golf and the Open Championship definitely amps things up a bit. I don’t think it matters if I’m world no. 1 or world no. 50, I want to win this tournament as well or more than anyone out here.”
Scheffler finished eighth in his Open debut at Royal St. George’s last year and has since won four PGA titles.
“I think it’s good that I’m number 1 in the rankings,” he said. “I’m not sure if I’m necessarily perceived that way by all of you, but these are things I never really think about. For me I just try to go out and play good golf.”
Scheffler enjoyed his practice rounds on the Old Course links.
“It’s a really special place. I can kind of see the history and see how golf was played hundreds of years ago. So it’s pretty cool to see it firsthand,” he said.
“I enjoy this style of golf. It’s definitely different than what I’m used to, but I feel like being able to hit all kinds of shots is one of my abilities.”
Scheffler has witnessed St. Andrews’ infamous road hole, the 495-yard par 4 considered one of the toughest tests in golf.
“It’s pretty funny. They hit across the hotel and then onto the green like it’s so small,” he said. “I will definitely do everything in my power not to go into that bunker. It’s so bad down there.”