World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler used his pre-tournament press conference at Royal Portrush to deliver an unusually candid assessment of professional golf, saying the sport offers only fleeting satisfaction despite years of work. “This is not a fulfilling life,” the 29-year-old Texan told reporters, adding that victory celebrations feel “awesome for about two minutes” before attention shifts to the next event. Scheffler, a three-time major champion with 16 PGA Tour wins, said he would “much rather be a great father than a great golfer” and would walk away from competition if it ever compromised his family life. The remarks, coming two days before the 153rd Open Championship, quickly dominated conversation inside and outside the locker room. Several players privately told Scheffler they shared similar feelings, he said, underscoring a growing debate about motivation and mental wellbeing in elite sport. Introspection did not impede performance. Opening in wind and rain on Thursday, Scheffler posted a three-under-par 68 despite hitting only three of 14 fairways, leaving him one stroke behind the early leaders. The round keeps him firmly in contention for a fourth major title—and what would be the third leg of a career Grand Slam—just 48 hours after questioning the very point of chasing another trophy.