Tuesday 12 July 2016 20:14, UK
Jordan Spieth admits he is desperate to win The Open and claim the third major of his career at Royal Troon.
The world No 3 - who won the Masters and US Open in 2015 - had the opportunity to hold the famous trophy last year after American compatriot Zach Johnson won the tournament at St Andrews, with Spieth finishing in a tie for fourth.
That has whetted his appetite for success ahead of The 145th Open, live on Sky Sports.
"This is a very, very special tournament; everybody knows that. Again, the Claret Jug is something I've now held in my hands - I was with Zach the night that he won it last year," said Spieth.
"I crave to have that trophy in my possession at some point, and to reach a third leg of the Grand Slam this week would be a fantastic achievement and a life-long goal of mine.
"So [I've been] working hard for it. I've been here since Saturday and seen a couple different wind conditions. The course is a fantastic golf course for the Open Championship.
"I love coming over and playing links golf as well. I think my game in general over the course of the next 20 to 30 years out here will show that this style of golf, I think it plays to my strengths.
"Does that mean this week it may? I don't know. But I love this style of golf. I feel comfortable playing this style of golf, and I think that this tournament is one that we certainly put emphasis on.
"Obviously, it's a major, and I look forward to trying to get into contention this week and dealing with the tough conditions."
Spieth also faced a barrage of questions over his decision not to compete for USA at this year's Olympics in Rio, with concerns over the Zika virus ensuring the top four players in world golf will not feature in Brazil.
The 22-year-old described it as the toughest decision of his life but defended his right to do so.
"I'm a huge believer in Olympic golf. I'm a huge believer in playing for your country," added Spieth.
"I don't expect anybody to understand, but trust that I believe I'm making the right decision. It was probably the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my life. I can honestly say that.
"Ultimately a decision had to be made yesterday [Monday], and so I made it."
International Golf Federation president Peter Dawson has described the withdrawal of top players from the Olympic tournament as an "overreaction" and Spieth admitted that may prove to be the case.
"No, I mean, it may be," Spieth said when asked if he was annoyed by Dawson's comments. "It very well could be. I'm just not sure."
