Scottie Scheffler has clarified his swift departure following Rory McIlroy’s momentous Masters victory and subsequent green jacket presentation. After handing the coveted prize to McIlroy, who secured his career Grand Slam with a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose – eleven years after his last major triumph – Scheffler quickly left the Butler Cabin, prompting some criticism on social media regarding his actions.
However, Scheffler explained that his intention was to allow McIlroy space and attention during this significant moment.
“It was such an emotional day for him,” he stated. “I got to watch the whole celebration. I kind of just tried to stay out of the way and basically just get the jacket on without embarrassing him or myself.”
He acknowledged the pressure that comes with achieving milestones, drawing a parallel from his own experiences:
“I don’t have the understanding of what it’s like to be asked about the career Grand Slam. But I have like a small understanding of what it’s like to be asked like, ‘Hey you’ve accomplished this but you haven’t accomplished that’. And it can be very taxing on people sometimes.”
Scheffler, the defending champion, previously secured his own second green jacket earlier in the tournament, defeating Ludvig Aberg. While McIlroy finished three strokes ahead of Scheffler in this year’s competition, the American expressed admiration for his rival’s achievement and emphasized his focus on personal improvement.
“The feeling you get from winning a tournament is a pretty special,”
he remarked.
“For me, I wish it lasted longer than it did.”
When asked about drawing inspiration from McIlroy’s Grand Slam win, Scheffler responded with characteristic focus:
- “I try to stay in the present.
- I don’t think very often about career goals.
He continued, “Winning the career Grand Slam, I think that’s something that any golfer would dream of, but at the end of the day, I’m just trying to get the most out of myself.”
Meanwhile, McIlroy is expected to forego participation in the RBC Heritage to celebrate his Masters victory with family back in the UK. Scheffler, however, will compete in the event, aiming for a second consecutive win after defeating Sahith Theegala at the 2024 competition.
