Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have expressed differing views on the importance of completing the career Grand Slam ahead of this week's US Open at Shinnecock Hills in New York.
World number one Scheffler arrives as the overwhelming favourite, knowing that victory would make him only the seventh golfer to win all four major championships, joining McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen. However, Scheffler insists the prospect does not motivate him.
"The Grand Slam has never been a motivating factor for me," Scheffler said. "I always just wanted to be the best version of myself. As a professional athlete, you're never going to live up to the expectations of people. The fallacy in our sport is if I win the US Open, I am going to be satisfied, I've won all the tournaments, and my career is essentially over because I've accomplished everything I want to. But I think the goalposts are just moved further and further."
This contrasts sharply with McIlroy, who carried the weight of the Grand Slam for a decade. The Northern Irishman had his first chance in 2015 but waited 10 years before finally winning the Masters last year.
Speaking in 2016, McIlroy said: "If I can win a Green Jacket and become just the sixth player in history to win a Grand Slam, then I would retire happy knowing I have joined an exclusive list." A year later, he added: "I wouldn't be fulfilled if I didn't get it. There's one piece of the puzzle that's missing."
McIlroy, now a six-time major champion, secured consecutive Masters titles earlier this year and aims for a second US Open crown. He tees off at 12:52pm UK time, with Scheffler starting at 1:14pm.
