Scheffler talked Tuesday at The Open Championship about how he wrestles with his love for competition and what it really means.

Backspin: His year was slowed by a rib injury that kept him out for two months. Padraig Harrington (2007-08), Tiger Woods (2005-06) and Tom Watson (1982-83) are the only back-to-back Open champions the last 50 years.

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Scottie Scheffler has won more tournaments and majors than anyone over the last three years. He is No. 1 in the world and no one is close to him. Nothing would mean more to him than leaving Royal Portrush with the silver claret jug.

By winning his second PGA Tour title and a $1,575,000 check, Scottish Open winner Chris Gotterup jumped from 96th on the money list with barely more than $1 million to 51st with $2,586,336.

The world No. 1 gave one of the most revealing answers during his press conference on Tuesday in what turned into a therapy session of sorts for him.

Elsewhere, Pádraig Harrington will hit the opening tee shot of the championship, and will play alongside Tom McKibbin and Nicolai Hojgaard from 6.35am on Thursday. Darren Clarke has been paired with Lucas Herbert and Davis Riley, and they are underway at 7.52am.

As a 16-year-old at the 2005 North of Ireland Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy shot a course record 61. That was the old course, before redesign. It's a course he recognizes only parts of now.