Scheffler, DeChambeau loom over McIlroy bid for major redemption

TROON, Scotland : The list of potential winners of this week's British Open at Royal Troon is a long one as Rory McIlroy begins his latest bid to end a decade-long major title drought.

McIlroy's misery continued in last month's U.S. Open where he agonisingly finished second - one shot behind American Bryson DeChambeau - after bogeying three of his last four holes.

The pain of that loss took McIlroy a few days to process but, as he prepares for Thursday's opening round, he is feeling no added pressure in his quest to claim a fifth career major.

"I know that I'm in a good spot," the Northern Irish world number two told reporters on Tuesday after playing his first practice round of the week.

"If I think about 2015 through 2020, that five-year stretch, I seldom had a realistic chance to win a major championship in that five-year period. So I'd much rather have these close calls. It means that I'm getting closer."

McIlroy, who has not won a major since the 2014 PGA Championship, spoke about how he dealt with the U.S. Open.

"I went from being very disappointed and dejected to trying to focus on the positives to then wanting to learn from the negatives and then getting to the point where you become enthusiastic and motivated to go again," said the 35-year-old.

"It's funny how your mindset can go from 'I don't want to see a golf course for a month' to four days later being 'I can't wait to get another shot at it.' When that disappointment turns to motivation, that's when it's time to go again."

McIlroy is in good form having tied for fourth at last week's Scottish Open.

"I feel like my preparations have been going well," he said. "Just getting myself familiar again with links conditions, links turf, green speeds. We play a majority of