Backspin: His year was slowed by a rib injury that kept him out for two months. Padraig Harrington (2007-08), Tiger Woods (2005-06) and Tom Watson (1982-83) are the only back-to-back Open champions the last 50 years.

It’s a job that he loves, but a job nonetheless, and his family and faith are what are important. But towards the end of his pre-championship press conference he was asked about “the most crushing loss” he had ever experienced.

Open Championship golfers and the British Open favorite to win ahead of the year's final major at Royal Portrush

Xander Schauffele will look to defend his British Open title against a field led by Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler when the 153rd Open Championship begins at Royal Portrush on Thursday.

Scottie Scheffler has won more tournaments and majors than anyone over the last three years. He is No. 1 in the world and no one is close to him. Nothing would mean more to him than leaving Royal Portrush with the silver claret jug.

The world No. 1 gave one of the most revealing answers during his press conference on Tuesday in what turned into a therapy session of sorts for him.

By winning his second PGA Tour title and a $1,575,000 check, Scottish Open winner Chris Gotterup jumped from 96th on the money list with barely more than $1 million to 51st with $2,586,336.

As a 16-year-old at the 2005 North of Ireland Amateur Championship at Royal Portrush, Rory McIlroy shot a course record 61. That was the old course, before redesign. It's a course he recognizes only parts of now.