AUGUSTA, Ga. — A recent video showcased Tiger Woods hosting Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy, all in matching Nike gear, demonstrating their unique approaches to hitting long iron shots for TaylorMade.
McIlroy executed a perfect high fade with a 4-iron, landing softly near the pin. Scheffler jokingly aimed to replicate it, though his shot landed slightly further.
As the Masters approaches, Scheffler, the reigning champion, and McIlroy, seeking his first green jacket, are the clear frontrunners. They`ve collectively won 10 events in the past year and consistently achieved top-10 finishes in majors since 2022.
While Scheffler has secured two major wins in that period, McIlroy is still chasing another. McIlroy`s consistent high ranking at 35 years old, especially at his 17th Masters, highlights both his skill and the pressure of his ongoing major championship drought, now spanning 11 years and hindering his career Grand Slam.
Reflecting on the 2015 Masters, McIlroy showed his typical Augusta pattern: a slow start followed by a strong finish, ultimately falling short. He played alongside Woods that Sunday, shooting a 66, but finished six strokes behind Jordan Spieth.
Commentator Jim Nantz noted in 2015 the anticipated rivalry between McIlroy and Spieth. However, in 2025, Scheffler has emerged as McIlroy`s primary competitor, pushing McIlroy to elevate his game.
McIlroy acknowledged Scheffler`s impact, stating Scheffler`s dominance motivates him to improve. Scheffler recognizes McIlroy`s competitive drive, especially considering McIlroy`s experience.
Scheffler claims his motivation is internal, focusing on his own game rather than comparing himself to others. He downplays McIlroy`s focus on him.
Golf differs from team sports by emphasizing individual performance against the course and oneself. Rivalries are less engineered and more organic. However, the current dynamic between Scheffler and McIlroy is undeniably compelling.
Both players have openly discussed each other with respect and a hint of envy. Their success creates a natural juxtaposition, not a rivalry.
McIlroy admires Scheffler`s consistency and mistake-free play. Scheffler jokingly wishes for McIlroy`s long drives but recognizes McIlroy`s relaxed approach to the game.
Scheffler has recently made winning at Augusta look easy, while McIlroy`s repeated Masters disappointments highlight the difficulty of winning the prestigious tournament.
McIlroy aims to approach the Masters like any other tournament, despite the external pressure and narrative surrounding his quest for a green jacket.
Scheffler dismisses pressure questions, while McIlroy confronts constant reminders of his major drought. Tiger Woods believes McIlroy will eventually win, a sentiment echoed by McIlroy`s consistent high-level play over the past decade.
Scheffler praised McIlroy`s longevity and sustained excellence in a challenging sport.
Eventually, Scheffler will continue his career beyond McIlroy`s. For now, Scheffler`s emergence has pushed McIlroy, and McIlroy is now positioned to challenge Scheffler`s dominance, creating a compelling dynamic at this year`s Masters.
The Masters is not a direct match, but the performances of Scheffler and McIlroy suggest that one of them will likely win, with the other playing a significant role in their story this Sunday.
Adrian Whitmore