Shane Lowry believes he can be inspired by the big crowds at Royal St Georges as he describes 2020 as a write-off for him without them.
Earlier today, Lowry handed back the Claret Jug that has been in his possession for just over a week shy of two years because The Open was cancelled last year due to Covid.
Some players have expressed displeasure at having to jump through extra hoops for health protocol sake this week, but Lowry's focus is on entertaining as his defence finally gets underway on Thursday.
"I think playing in front of fans does it for me," he said.
"Not playing in front of fans doesn't do it for me. That's just the way it is.
"I think I struggled last year coming out of lockdown. I was playing great, I've never played as much golf in my life, and I just was stale when I got out there. I just couldn't get it going.
"I think even little things like if you're struggling to make a cut or if you're down at the bottom of the field, having people out there on the golf course kind of spurs you on a little bit.
"At the end of the day, like I said at the Irish Open a couple weeks ago, we're kind of in the entertainment business when we're out there.
"And when I have a difficult shot or when I'm stuck behind a tree or I have a tough up-and-down, I'm trying to almost show off a little bit.
"I feel like 2020 is kind of a bit of a write-off for me. Obviously my form is pretty decent coming in this year and I'm pretty happy with that, but I don't really look back on 2020 with anything, to be honest.
"It's kind of put it behind me and move on, and this year thankfully has been a little bit better."
Surrounded by a legion of family and friends, Lowry won his first major in glorious fashion in Portrush.
It will be a somewhat different story in Sandwich, where his entourage consists of his wife Wendy, brother Alan and coach Neil Manchip.
That's all good as far as the Clara man is concerned - with the added bonus of not being pulled left, right and centre as the defending champion.
"It's a bubble, but I don't think I'll be doing anything different than I normally do," he remarked.
"I come to the golf course, I play, and I go home and we have dinner in the house, and that's it.
"I reckon if it was a normal Open and I was defending I might have a couple more things to do, so it probably is working in my favour a little bit as regards my performance.
"I'm really looking forward to the week ahead. Not that I'm ready to give the Claret Jug back.
"I just handed it back, I'm happy it's here and I'm happy I'm here defending."
