On Thursday, the Open Championship began with classic Portrush drizzle, making the green slower than usual. But that didn’t stop the world’s top golfers from putting on a show.
Among them was the No. 1, Scottie Scheffler, who finished with an impressive 3-under par, just one shot off the tied lead. The Texas native bogeyed two times, but managed to cover up with a strong scorecard of five birdies by the end of Day 1.
One standout moment came at the par-3 16th, where Scheffler hit a laser-like tee shot, landing it close to the pin. It was followed by another birdie on the par-4 17th.
But while the three-time major winner’s game looked sharp, his thoughts on golf and life drew attention, yet again.
Scottie Scheffler regrets being too honest about his golf life
Just days before teeing off at Royal Portrush, Scheffler opened up about the emotional toll of life on Tour.
“You get to No. 1 in the world, and you’re like, ‘What’s the point?'” he told reporters during the pre-tournament press conference.
When asked again about those comments, Scheffler didn’t backtrack, but regreted being too honest after the Thursday round.
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 16: Scottie Scheffler of United States looks on during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 16, 2025 in Portrush, Northern…
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND – JULY 16: Scottie Scheffler of United States looks on during a practice round prior to The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 16, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
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“I think I try to be as honest as I can with y’all, with the stuff that I’m willing to kind of say,” he expressed per the transcripts. “At times I feel like maybe I should be a little less honest. Maybe I shouldn’t have said the stuff I said yesterday because now I’m going to get asked about it more.”
For Scheffler, “it’s just a matter of perspective,” and he revealed that some players came up to him saying the same.
His honesty echoed Rory McIlroy’s recent media silence. McIlroy skipped interviews at the PGA Championship and US Open, citing “frustration” with coverage and a desire to protect his family time.
Though Scheffler was much calmer than Rory, his disappointment with the repeated number of questions on the same matter was reflected clearly.
Going into Round 2 on Friday, Scheffler was scheduled to tee off at 5:09 a.m. ET. He entered Friday at T6. If the 16-time PGA Tour winner maintains or improves the position, this would be his best finish at an Open Championship until now.
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