Rory McIlroy Showed True Colours with Scottie Scheffler Advice That Helped Rival
Rory McIlroy may be regretting his helpful nature after advice he gave seemingly inspired Scottie Scheffler’s resurgence in form. The Northern Irish golfer might think twice before offering future tips to his competitors.
Scheffler, who turned professional in 2018, secured his first PGA Tour wins in 2022 but didn’t reach his full potential until 2024. Following nearly a year without a win, he broke through again in March 2024, sealing seven victories that season, including a second Masters title. His dominance continued into 2025, with six additional wins, highlighted by The Open and the PGA Championship.
A critical factor in Scheffler’s rise was a major improvement in his putting. During the 2024 Genesis Invitational, McIlroy, speaking on CBS with Amanda Balionis, casually suggested a change in Scheffler’s equipment.
“So, I’d love to see Scottie try a mallet [putter],” said McIlroy. “But selfishly, for me, Scottie does everything else so well that he’s giving the rest of us a chance.”
The remark preceded Scheffler’s commanding victory at the Genesis Invitational, where he triumphed by five strokes, symbolizing a turning point that defined his current dominance in golf.
Author’s Summary
McIlroy’s lighthearted advice on putter choice unintentionally fueled Scheffler’s transformation into a winning powerhouse across major golf championships.