'Weird stuff is going to happen' – Scheffler and McIlroy on sun-baked Birkdale
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler predict challenging conditions at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, where the course has turned dry and hard due to hot weather. Both players discussed course changes and their thoughts on legacy.
The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is set to present a very different test compared to previous editions, as the course has been baked by the sun, making it firm and fiery. In contrast to the windy and rainy conditions of 2017 and 2008, this year's setup is expected to be dry and fast.
"The course is primed for an amazing week. It's as linksy as links gets," said 2014 champion Rory McIlroy. "It's a lot different than when I was here a few weeks ago. It's not quite as green, the rough isn't quite as juicy – it's still long, but a little thinner because of the weather."
McIlroy, who finished tied seventh at last week's Scottish Open, is adopting an attacking mindset. He noted that renovations to the fifth, seventh, 14th, and 15th holes have made the course a more thorough test.
World number one and defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who missed the cut at the Scottish Open, seemed upbeat. "There are some extreme conditions. The wind direction is going to change, but overall getting some extra rest going into a major is never the worst thing," Scheffler said. "It's very interesting. A lot of thinking. You're going to get some weird bounces, some weird stuff is going to happen."
Scheffler also pointed out the stark contrast between the renovated holes and the original ones, calling them "like a different golf course."
When asked about legacy, both players were dismissive. "I have never once thought about how I'm going to be remembered. History to me just isn't that important," Scheffler said. "I'd much rather be remembered for the way I did it." McIlroy added, "I don't really care. I'll be long gone. I don't think I'll be seeing what people say about me."
