Bernhard Langer insists he is as motivated as ever to win The Senior Open Presented by Rolex as he goes in search of a fifth title at Europe's Senior Major.
The German's record at The Senior Open has been exemplary since he secured a top-five finish on his debut in 2008, with four wins, three second-place finishes and a lowest result of a tie for 12th in 13 appearances.
A stellar field has assembled at Gleneagles, including newly minted U.S. Senior Open champion Pádraig Harrington, who at 14 years Langer's junior is making his debut in the event.
And while the two-time Masters Tournament winner admits the layout at the King's Course is a lengthy test, he is in no doubt he still has the desire and ability to challenge for the trophy.
"I’m hoping not to be just a number out there," he said. "I’m hoping to be in contention, to have a chance to win. That is just my nature. When the time comes when I am playing for 50th or 80th spot every week, then it is time to hang it up.
"I have never had a problem motivating myself. Maybe that is part of my background, where I grew up from a very poor family, to having grown up with hard work and just trying to be the best I can be.
"But that has never been an issue. If that becomes an issue, again it is time to play less or just stop.
"You can’t be very good if you are not motivated. For one that drops out there is a hundred guys to jump in and take your spot, so you’ve got to be motivated, you’ve got to be hard working to be at the top of this game at all times."
Langer won the first of his four titles at this event at Carnoustie and he is relishing teeing it up in front of the Scottish fans again.
"This tournament does a great job of putting on a fantastic event," he said. "It is always fairly set up it seems, challenging but playable.
"I’ve always enjoyed playing in Scotland. Scotland and Ireland the people just know the game, everyone seems to play it: the butcher, the baker, anybody has a golf bag, in the house or the back yard somewhere.
"They are very knowledgeable and it is just fun playing in front of them, it is a great atmosphere and a wonderful experience."
