Rory McIlroy Showed True Colours with Scottie Scheffler Advice That Helped Rival
Rory McIlroy may be reflecting on his words after his casual advice seemingly reignited Scottie Scheffler’s impressive run of form. The Northern Irish golfer might think twice before offering helpful tips to competitors again.
Scheffler, who turned professional in 2018, began securing PGA Tour titles in 2022. Yet, it was not until 2024 that he reached his current dominant level. After 51 weeks without a Tour victory, he broke his drought in March 2024 and proceeded to win seven tournaments that year, including a second Masters title. His momentum continued into 2025, adding six more trophies, notably The Open and the PGA Championship.
The defining shift in Scheffler’s performance has been his refined putting ability. This transformation began during the 2024 Genesis Invitational when McIlroy, speaking with CBS’s Amanda Balionis, offered a lighthearted suggestion about 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.”
Scheffler went on to claim victory at the Genesis Invitational by five strokes, marking the start of one of the most dominant stretches in modern golf.
Author’s Summary
McIlroy’s friendly equipment advice at the 2024 Genesis Invitational unexpectedly sharpened Scottie Scheffler’s form, sparking a winning streak that reshaped the golf season.