World No.1 Scottie Scheffler shared some comforting thoughts with Rory McIlroy after another close call at the BMW PGA Championship.
Billy Horschel made an eagle on the second playoff hole at Wentworth, narrowly beating McIlroy to the title. This added to McIlroy’s string of near misses in big tournaments.
McIlroy almost won at the Paris 2024 Olympics, was edged out at the Irish Open, and famously slipped up at the US Open at Pinehurst.
Despite his frustrations, McIlroy said he was content with his game but admitted it was testing him. Questions about his ability to finish strong have been raised, but Scheffler offered a thoughtful perspective.
Scheffler said during the Presidents Cup, “I’ve had years where I’ve played well but didn’t win much.” He noted that sometimes luck isn’t on your side.
“Rory had a playoff last week where a guy eagled to beat him,” Scheffler continued. “He didn’t lose; he got beat. That happens.”
Words of Wisdom from Scheffler:
Scheffler shared examples of how small margins can decide tournaments. He mentioned how even his many wins often came down to just one or two crucial putts.
“Like Tom Kim and I in the Travelers playoff,” he said. “Kim birdied 18 to force a playoff but then bogeyed in overtime.”
Fans might think it’s just bad luck for Rory right now.
Recalling another instance, Scheffler said, “Sam Burns made a 40-footer off the fringe to beat me at Colonial when winds picked up.”
Sometimes it’s about making key putts at critical moments. Scheffler felt this year he nailed those important shots more often than not.
McIlroy hopes that if he keeps putting himself in winning positions like Scheffler did, he’ll eventually break through and start winning big titles again.
What do you think? Will Rory turn things around soon?
