World number one Scottie Scheffler is shutting out all talk of him being the favourite to win a first Open Championship title at Royal Portrush this week.

Scheffler captured his third major crown with a five-shot triumph at the PGA Championship in May, while he was also in contention at both the Masters and the U.S. Open.

He finished fourth as Rory McIlroy completed a career grand slam at Augusta National, then registered a T7 finish as J.J. Spaun claimed a surprise U.S. Open victory.

Scheffler is the only player to record a top-10 finish at all three majors played in 2025, and since the start of 2020, he has the most major wins (three) and top 10s (15) of any player.

But upon his arrival at Royal Portrush, where no American has won the Open in the two editions staged there (1955 and 2019), Scheffler brushed off the favourite tag.

"I could not care any less about being the favourite or not being the favourite," he told reporters.

"We all start even par and the tournament starts on Thursday. That's pretty much all that matters."

Shane Lowry triumphed when the Open was last held at Portrush in 2019, but he remains the most recent European victor of the tournament. 

In the last four editions, the Claret Jug has been won by three Americans – Collin Morikawa, Brian Harman and Xander Schauffele – and one Australian, Cameron Smith. 

The 71-par Dunluce Links course at Portrush is known for its dramatic changes in elevation, and with variable weather expected at the end of the week, Scheffler knows he will have to be adaptable. 

The final major of the year has arrived 

It’s @TheOpen week! pic.twitter.com/96ec0K5IPp

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 14, 2025

"I love the style of golf. I think it's really fun and you have to be creative," he said of the Northern Irish course. 

"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. The 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."