Scottie Scheffler has revealed how he wants to be viewed after his playing career, while Rory McIlroy insists he is not concerned about what people will say about him in the future. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, the world’s top two players shared very different views on legacy, even though both agreed that winning trophies is not the only thing that matters.
Scheffler said he would rather leave a reputation built on character than be known solely for the number of tournaments he wins. McIlroy, meanwhile, took a more direct approach, saying he does not care how history judges him because he will not be around to hear those conversations.
Their comments came during separate press conferences before the start of The Open, where both players are among the favorites to challenge for the Claret Jug. While they expressed their thoughts differently, both suggested that chasing records alone is not what drives them.
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Scheffler Says Character Matters More Than Records
Scheffler was asked whether he thinks about his place in golf history and what future generations will think of him. The four-time major champion said he has never spent time thinking about that. He added that people remembering the number of tournaments he won or the amount of prize money he earned would have “zero effect” on him. Instead, he said he hopes people see him as someone who did things the right way.
“ have never once thought about how I’m going to be remembered…Like when I die, hey, Scottie won 4 majors and 20 tournaments and he won this much money. That has zero effect on me. At the end of the day, I have never once thought about how I’m going to be remembered,” he said. “I’d much rather be remembered for doing things the right way than the guy that won all the tournaments.”
Scottie Scheffler when asked about legacy and history in golf:
“I have never once thought about how I’m going to be remembered… Like when I die, hey, Scottie won 4 majors and 20 tournaments and he won this much money. That has zero effect on me.”pic.twitter.com/FK74JAW4I7
— Underdog Golf (@UnderdogGolf) July 14, 2026
Scheffler enters this week’s Open after an unusual setback. He missed the cut at the Genesis Scottish Open, ending his streak of 78 consecutive made cuts on the PGA Tour. It was his first missed cut since the 2022 FedEx St. Jude Championship. Even so, the world No. 1 remains one of the leading favorites to win at Royal Birkdale.
McIlroy Says He Does Not Worry About His Legacy
McIlroy was asked the same question during his own press conference, but his answer was much shorter.
“I’ll be dead. I don’t think I’ll be seeing what people say about me. I’ll be six feet under. Yeah, I don’t care,” he said.
Rory McIlroy was also asked if he thinks about his legacy…
“I’ll be dead. I don’t think I’ll be seeing what people say about me. I’ll be six feet under… Yeah, I don’t care.” pic.twitter.com/aBo8Yedld5
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) July 14, 2026
The six-time major champion has spoken several times this season about enjoying golf more and focusing less on results. He has said that spending more time with his family and playing a lighter schedule has helped him find a better balance in his career.
McIlroy arrives at Royal Birkdale after finishing inside the top 10 at last week’s Genesis Scottish Open. He has also recorded top-10 finishes in three of his last four appearances at The Open, making him one of the strongest contenders this week.
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McIlroy has won 30 PGA Tour titles, including six major championships, while Scheffler owns 20 PGA Tour victories and four major titles. Although both players have already built impressive careers, their comments show their definition of success goes beyond the achievements that many fans typically focus on.
Main Photo Credit: © GREG LOVETT/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
