AUGUSTA, Ga. — A recent video showcased the contrasting approaches of golf stars Tiger Woods, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy. In the video, sponsored by TaylorMade, all three demonstrated their techniques for hitting long iron shots. McIlroy executed a perfect high fade that landed close to the pin, impressing Scheffler and Woods. Scheffler then humorously attempted to replicate McIlroy`s shot, landing further from the hole and joking about McIlroy`s greater distance.
As the Masters Tournament approaches, Scheffler, already an Augusta champion, and McIlroy, still seeking his first Masters victory, are the clear favorites. Together, they have dominated the golf scene, winning 10 events in the past year and consistently achieving top-10 finishes in major championships since 2022.
Scheffler boasts two major wins in this period, while McIlroy continues his pursuit of another major title. McIlroy`s enduring presence at the top of world rankings, especially as he enters his 17th Masters at age 35, highlights his remarkable consistency. However, the pressure of a major championship drought, now spanning 11 years and the elusive career Grand Slam, remains a significant storyline.
A decade prior, at the 2015 Masters, McIlroy followed a familiar pattern: a slow start followed by a strong finish that ultimately fell short. Wearing a bright green shirt, he played alongside Woods in the final round, shooting a 66 to finish six strokes behind the winner, Jordan Spieth. His performance in the last 45 holes was an impressive 15-under.
Despite the strong finish, McIlroy`s disappointment was evident. Broadcaster Jim Nantz commented on McIlroy`s near miss and anticipated future rivalry with Spieth, who were set to become the world`s top two players.
Now in 2025, McIlroy is playing exceptional golf. While Spieth is no longer his primary rival, Scheffler has emerged as a dominant force, compelling the entire field, including McIlroy, to elevate their game.
“Seeing what Scottie has done inspires us all to improve,” McIlroy acknowledged after a recent victory. “I know I need to be better to compete with him.”
Scheffler himself recognizes McIlroy`s competitive drive. “When you`re competitive like Rory, you`re always looking for motivation, especially as you get older,” Scheffler noted, acknowledging McIlroy`s numerous tournament and major wins.
Scheffler claims his motivation is internal, focused on personal improvement rather than external comparisons. When questioned about McIlroy finding motivation in him, Scheffler responded nonchalantly, “I don`t really think about it.”
Bryson DeChambeau points out that golf is unique because it`s a competition against the course itself, and some argue it`s a battle against oneself. This contrasts with team sports where rivalries are often emphasized. Golf tournaments, especially the Masters, are not engineered for player duels; pairings are based on scores, not predetermined rivalries.
This Masters presents a rare and compelling dynamic between McIlroy and Scheffler. In recent months, both players have frequently been asked about each other, responding with respect and playful envy. Their connection is not a rivalry, but a consequence of their parallel success.
“I don`t think I`ve ever seen a golfer play as many bogey-free rounds as Scottie,” McIlroy remarked, praising Scheffler`s consistency and error-free play. Scheffler jokingly responded that he wishes he could emulate McIlroy`s 350-yard drives but genuinely admires McIlroy`s ability to play freely.
Scheffler has made winning the Masters look easy in recent years, while McIlroy`s repeated disappointments highlight the difficulty of winning this prestigious tournament.
McIlroy aims to approach this Masters like any other tournament, despite the external pressure and narrative surrounding his quest for a green jacket. Scheffler, similarly, downplays the pressure of being the defending champion. However, the anticipation and attention surrounding McIlroy`s pursuit are undeniable, amplified by voices like Tiger Woods, who believes a Masters win for McIlroy is inevitable. This is driven by both McIlroy`s 11-year major drought and his consistently high level of play.
Scheffler acknowledges McIlroy`s impressive longevity and sustained excellence in a challenging sport. He recognizes the difficulty of maintaining such a high level over many years, highlighting McIlroy`s health and consistent performance.
Whether McIlroy secures his fifth major this week or in the future, the current dynamic is unique. Scheffler`s rise has pushed McIlroy to improve, while McIlroy is now positioned to challenge Scheffler`s dominance, creating a compelling storyline for this Masters. While they are not directly competing against each other in a match play format, their performances suggest that one of them is likely to win this Sunday, with the other playing a significant role in their narrative.
