Since the 2024 Masters, Scottie Scheffler has been expressive about golf being just a small part of his life. Tom Brady was bothered by Scheffler doubling down on it in the next season. But what about the man in the closest position to him in the game for the top spot? Rory McIlroy has his clear opinions.
McIlroy was questioned in a recent interview with Kevin Van at The Fried Egg about what makes Scottie Scheffler different from his peers and why he is frequently compared to Tiger Woods. His answer was direct and straight to the point.
Rory McIlroy shares his thoughts on Scottie Scheffler
“I think he has no ego when he plays golf. Doesn’t really care if he’s the longest, if he’s the straightest, if he’s the best iron player, or if he’s the best putter; he just competes, and he gets it done.”
Rory McIlroy also added, “I think that works in his favor, and he has people around him that keep him incredibly grounded.”
“He doesn’t have many distractions. He lives a relatively simple life. He has access to everything and everyone in the world if he wants it, but he actively chooses not to go that way.”
McIlroy even accepted some envy, noting that his own curious nature pulls him in multiple directions. He occasionally looks at Scheffler and wishes he had less going on.
However, the decision has worked.
In 2024, Scheffler won six PGA Tour events, including the Masters; claimed Olympic gold; and held the world number one ranking for almost a year. It turns out that a player with no ego can nevertheless still pile up trophies.
In 2025, during media interactions around the Open Championship at Portrush, Scheffler was asked if life centered on victories truly offers deep satisfaction and said he would rather be remembered as a great father than an exceptional golfer. However, Tom Brady questioned this in his newsletter.
Tom Brady challenges Scottie Scheffler’s statement
“Scottie said he’d rather be a better father and husband than a good golfer. And my question is, “Why are those mutually exclusive?”
According to Tom Brady in the latest edition of his 199 newsletter, full dedication to a career sets an example of discipline for a child, rather than conflicting with parenthood. Brady argued it was about balance. Scheffler’s was about boundaries.
Before the 2024 Masters, Scheffler had already stated his position.
“If my wife goes into labor, I’m leaving. I don’t care if it’s the Masters. If my golf ever started affecting my home life, that’s going to be the last day that I play out here for a living.”
Early in 2026, his family-first commitment showed up once again. Scheffler opened his season with a four-shot victory at the AmEx and walked off the course straight to his wife and son, Bennett. Meredith appeared pregnant, according to several on-site sources, which made the occasion feel more like a family celebration than a trophy celebration.
McIlroy, in response to Scheffler’s Portrush comments, said the feeling resonated personally.
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