The world’s best golfers know a good player when they see one and Rory McIlroy is no different when it comes to current world number one, Scottie Scheffler.
McIlroy has been the top dog in golf himself and he knows full well that the eyes of the golfing world are firmly fixed on you.
As we know, Scheffler’s remarkable 2024 saw him extend his lead at the top of the OWGR and his nine wins – plus an Olympic gold – meant it was a year to remember.
Right now, Scheffler is ahead of both McIlroy and Xander Schauffele in the rankings and the trio were put together at The Players in round one to try and draw the crowds.
Still, it is Scheffler who is top dog in that group and chatting to the media ahead of teeing off, McIlroy admitted he’d got plenty of admiration for Scheffler.
Rory McIlroy praises Scottie Scheffler at The Players
Speaking ahead of teeing off alongside Scheffler at The Players, McIlroy was asked if he’d tried to take anything from Scheffler’s game in 2024.
And in brutal honesty, McIlroy admitted he does indeed look at the world number one for inspiration.
“Yeah look, when someone wins nine times, I think everyone has to take notice and just look at what he’s doing. I think as well, in this age of parity in golf, to be able to separate yourself like he did last year, it’s unbelievably impressive. And it would be very naive to not look at him and study the things he’s doing,” McIlroy said.
“For me, his course management, is what sets him up for success. His course management and he’s got a great attitude as well.
“I think he seems to play the right shot at the right time, over and over again. Whether that’s certain clubs off the tee, or hitting certain shots into greens. He’s really good being able to shape the ball both ways. A lot of the simple things he does really really well. I’m always trying to learn, always trying to do better and if not you’re doing yourself a disservice.
“So yeah, looking at Scottie from last year is not a bad thing to do.”
What Rory McIlroy said about playing with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele
Prior to heading to the tee, McIlroy delved into a number of subjects around the tournament and of course, his playing partners.
And while some might feel the pressure of playing with the world’s two top ranked players, McIlroy admitted his focus was on the job at hand.
‘Not really. You know I’ve – in a way it’s been nice because it’s been quite a while – I think we did it at the US Open last year,” McIlroy said on Sky Sports ahead of teeing off.
“Look, it’s a nice group to be a part of. You’d rather be a part of it than not be cos it means you’re doing something right but for the first two days of an event you have to put good numbers up and put yourself into a position for the weekend and Xander and Scottie are two of the guys I also really admire.
“I think it’s a good thing for the tournament and a good thing for the people watching but for me, just try and keep my head straight and shoot a couple of good scores.”
With all three players under par after their opening rounds, it will be interesting to see if they can continue to dovetail into the second round.
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