Rory McIlroy showed true colours with Scottie Scheffler advice that helped rival

Rory McIlroy might be regretting that his casual advice played a role in Scottie Scheffler’s remarkable resurgence. The Northern Irishman may have unintentionally contributed to shaping the current world number one into the dominant golfer fans see today.

Scheffler, 29, turned professional in 2018 and began collecting PGA Tour titles in 2022. Yet it was only in 2024 that his performance truly peaked, marking the turning point of his career. After enduring a 51-week stretch without a win, he broke the drought in March 2024 and went on to capture seven titles that season, including his second Masters triumph. His momentum continued into 2025 with six more victories, featuring The Open and the PGA Championship.

Advice that changed the game

The most notable improvement during this period was in Scheffler’s putting — a skill that had been inconsistent earlier. Interestingly, this leap coincided with a small piece of friendly guidance from McIlroy at the 2024 Genesis Invitational.

“So, I’d love to see Scottie try a mallet [putter],” McIlroy said during commentary for CBS. “But selfishly, for me, Scottie does everything else so well that he’s giving the rest of us a chance.”

Scheffler went on to dominate the Genesis Invitational, winning by five strokes. The incident highlighted both McIlroy’s sportsmanship and how even minor insights can spark major shifts in professional golf.

Author’s summary

Rory McIlroy’s casual advice on putter selection unexpectedly sparked Scottie Scheffler’s return to elite form, shaping one of golf’s strongest eras of dominance.

The Mirror — 2025-11-08