Rory McIlroy won his first Green Jacket at Augusta National last weekend, and it was presented to him by Scottie Scheffler.
Many thought that The Masters would come down to the two best players in the world and, while it didn’t quite pan out that way, McIlroy was crowned the champion.
The Green Jacket handover is one of the best traditions in golf, if not sports, and it was superb to see the respect between them.
The Northern Irishman has since reflected on what it was like having Scheffler do the honours on Sunday evening.
Rory McIlroy reflects on Green Jacket presentation with Scottie Scheffler
Scheffler won his second Masters last year, so he had the privilege of hosting the Champions Dinner on Tuesday and doing the Green Jacket presentation on Sunday.
The world number one would’ve been disappointed with his own performance at Augusta, despite finishing fourth, but he didn’t let it show.
Some people criticised the American for walking away from McIlroy after giving him the jacket, but that was simply about not wanting to take any of the spotlight away from him.
McIlroy certainly didn’t have any issue with his behaviour, explaining that they shared a “really nice” moment.
“I think I have made it pretty clear how much I respect Scottie and how much I respect his game and what he has done over the last couple of years,” he told the BBC. “I have made no secret about trying to take a couple of leafs out his book in the way he approaches the game.
“I certainly didn’t play very Scottie Scheffler golf today! There were a lot of mistakes thrown in there. But for Scottie to be the one to put the jacket on my shoulders, that was really nice, and I have a lot of respect for him and how he goes about his business and how he plays his game.
“To have such a young career and already have two green jackets is a testament to that. So it was a nice moment, it really was. I have a lot of respect for Scottie and how he does things, and hopefully, he would say the same about me. That was a really nice moment.”
Scottie Scheffler says whether Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory inspires him
While Scheffler remains atop the Official World Golf Ranking, it’s hard to argue that he’s better than McIlroy right now.
His rival has won three events this season (Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Masters) compared to none.
Scheffler spoke to the media at this week’s RBC Heritage about whether McIlroy’s victories – and career Grand Slam – have inspired him.
“I feel like, when I see somebody winning a tournament, the feeling you get from winning a tournament is a pretty special feeling,” he said. “For me, I wish it lasted longer than it did. It doesn’t really last very long.
“I feel like watching anyone accomplish anything in the game of golf, it takes a lot of work. I don’t think very often about career goals or anything like that. I try my best to stay in the present.
“Was it pretty awesome watching Rory win the Grand Slam? Of course, it was. But as far as my life goes, I try to stay in the present. So right now, I’m focused on this week, and when I get home next week, I’m going to be preparing for my next tournament.
“At the end of the day, my motivation is all internal. Was it really cool getting to see him accomplish that? Yes, of course. Winning the career grand slam, I think, is something that any golfer would dream of, but at the end of the day, I’m just trying to get the most out of myself. That’s about it.”
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