AUGUSTA, Ga. — Imagine a scene from a comedy show: Tiger Woods hosting, with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy beside him, all in matching Nike gear, demonstrating their distinct techniques for hitting long iron shots. This was part of a video by TaylorMade, their shared sponsor.
McIlroy`s initial shot was a beautiful high fade with a 4-iron, landing softly near the pin. Scheffler and Woods were visibly impressed.
Scheffler joked about mimicking McIlroy`s shot, then hit his own, landing slightly further from the hole, explaining he needed a flatter trajectory because McIlroy hits it longer.
As the golf world converges for the Masters, where Scheffler, 28, is a celebrated champion and McIlroy seeks his elusive victory, these top two players are connected by their fierce competition. Together, they`ve claimed 10 tournament wins in the last year and both have secured eight top-10 finishes in major championships since 2022.
Scheffler boasts two major wins in this period, while McIlroy is still chasing another. McIlroy`s consistent presence at the top of world rankings, even at 35 and in his 17th Masters, is remarkable. Yet, he still carries the weight of an 11-year major championship drought and the uncompleted career Grand Slam.
A decade prior, in 2015, McIlroy`s Masters followed a familiar pattern: a slow start followed by a strong finish that ultimately fell short. On that final Sunday, in a bright green shirt, he played alongside Woods, carding a 66 to finish six strokes behind the young winner, Jordan Spieth. He played the final 45 holes at an impressive 15-under par.
As McIlroy acknowledged the crowd with a sigh of disappointment, commentator Jim Nantz remarked on the broadcast that McIlroy would have to wait another year. He then predicted a future rivalry between McIlroy and Spieth, who would soon be the world`s top two.
Moving forward to 2025, McIlroy is arguably playing his best golf. While Spieth is no longer his primary rival, Scheffler has emerged as a dominant force, compelling the entire field to recognize his achievements. McIlroy has found motivation to elevate his game to compete with Scheffler.
McIlroy admitted that Scheffler`s success has inspired him to improve. Scheffler, in turn, acknowledged McIlroy`s competitive nature, especially considering McIlroy`s experience.
Scheffler states his motivation is internal, focusing on his own performance rather than others. He seemed indifferent to McIlroy finding motivation in his success.
Golf, as Bryson DeChambeau noted, is largely a contest against the course itself. Others argue it`s a battle against oneself. Unlike team sports, golf rivalries aren`t manufactured. Player pairings in tournaments are based on scores, not entertainment value.
The connection between Scheffler and McIlroy at this moment feels uniquely organic. In recent months, both have frequently been asked about each other, responding with respect and a hint of envy. Their dynamic isn`t a rivalry, but a juxtaposition born from their parallel successes.
McIlroy praised Scheffler`s consistency, noting his remarkable bogey-free rounds and ability to execute the right shot consistently, making the game seem easy.
Scheffler jokingly wished he could drive the ball as far as McIlroy. He genuinely admired McIlroy`s ability to play freely and relaxed, something Scheffler finds challenging to replicate.
Scheffler has made winning the Masters look straightforward in recent years. Conversely, McIlroy’s repeated attempts over 17 appearances highlight the difficulty of winning this coveted title.
McIlroy acknowledges the external pressure and hype surrounding the Masters annually. He aims to approach this tournament with the same mindset as any other event.
While Scheffler dismisses questions about the pressure of defending his title, McIlroy is constantly confronted with the narrative of his Masters quest. Even Tiger Woods believes it`s only a matter of time before McIlroy wins. This is driven by his 11-year major drought, contrasted with his consistently high level of play.
Scheffler recognizes McIlroy`s impressive longevity and sustained excellence in a challenging sport, acknowledging the difficulties of maintaining such a high level over many years.
Whether McIlroy secures a major victory this week or in the future, their careers are intertwined. Scheffler`s rise has pushed McIlroy, and McIlroy now stands as a significant competitor for Scheffler. While the Masters isn`t a direct head-to-head competition, their current forms suggest that one of them could very well win, with the other playing a crucial role in their story this week.
Marcus Blakely