By Simon Wilkes
Scottie Scheffler says the weather will be a big factor in the 2025 Open at Royal Portrush, where Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are amongst the pack challenging the American for the Claret Jug.
Scheffler is the bookies’ favourite to be victorious in County Antrim come Sunday, but he shrugged off the great expectations on him, telling the press: “I could not care any less about being the favourite or not being the favourite.
“We all start even par and the tournament starts on Thursday. That’s pretty much all that matters.”
Scheffler predicts fun challenge ahead
“I love the style of golf. I think it’s really fun and you have to be creative,” he added.
“You have to hit a lot of really good shots. There’s a challenge to it, but I think it’s a lot of fun.
“We’ll see how the weather turns out this week. Weather has a pretty dramatic effect on how the golf course is going to play.
“You can play your practice rounds and prepare, but ultimately when you step on the tee on Thursday, whatever the weather presents is going to be probably the strongest part of the test.”
READ MORE: Cricket news: Ben Stokes lauds ‘special’ Jofra Archer after England beat India in Lord’s thriller
Rory firmly in the running
McIlroy won The Open in 2014 and is second favourite with most bookmakers, who fancy him to put on a show for all Irish fans at the Northern Ireland course.
He tees off at 3.10pm UK time on Thursday and will be playing alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Fleetwood and American star Justin Thomas for the first two rounds.
Other players in the mix
Reigning champion Xander Schauffele is looking to defend his title and is rated at around 14/1 with most bookmakers to be crowned again in 2025.
He is relishing the challenge ahead of him at the 153rd Open and told a press conference: “Coming here, I feel like I’m trying to relearn this golf course, get comfortable with certain sight lines, some blind tee shots.
“If I can get myself in the mix, I think I would have an advantage. That’s where my biggest edge would be.
“I can lean on experience at other points in time, but I think the most fun and the biggest advantage I would have is coming down the stretch if I can get close to that lead.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Wimbledon news: Jannik Sinner dethrones Carlos Alcaraz in Gentlemen’s Singles final
Lure of the Claret Jug
Ryder Cup hero and Spanish superstar Jon Rahm (14/1) is also in the running when it comes to who the bookies think will challenge Scheffler.
The 2021 US Open champion, who has banked over $50 million in prize money from his career so far, says the Claret Jug is the thing all golf players dream of getting their hands on.
He told Sky Sports: “In my opinion, The Open Championship is the most prestigious event you can win in golf.
“For my understanding of the game and the history of the game, I think the Claret Jug is the most special one.
“There’s an order to it too because it changes venues, so if you can win it in St Andrews, I don’t think anything in golf can come close to that.
“Obviously there’s different ones that have a lot of significance as well.
“The Open to me, is the home of golf. Golf started in this part of the world.
“It’s the oldest championship we have, and that’s what makes it so special.”
READ NEXT: Transfer news: Jordan Henderson completes move to Brentford
SportJustSport writers