Scottie Scheffler full of admiration for Rory McIlroy after Grand Slam triumph

The 2024 Green Jacket winner carded 69 in his final round at Augusta National, enough for a fourth-place finish. But Scheffler still had to be at the prizegiving ceremony for the Masters’ tradition of sliding the new jacket over the new winners’ shoulders.

McIlroy’s Masters victory and completion of the career grand slam was the culmination of over a decade's worth of pain and effort. The Northern Irishman was understandably emotional and Scheffler was all too aware of the moment.

"In that moment, like it was such an emotional day for him, I kind of just tried to stay out of the way and basically get the jacket on without embarrassing him or myself," recollected Scheffler on ESPN.

"It was really cool for me to be able to see because I have - I don't have the understanding of what it's like to be asked about the career Grand Slam, but I have a small understanding of what it's like to be asked, 'Hey, you accomplished this, but you haven't accomplished that.'
It can be very taxing on people sometimes.

"It was cool to be able to see Rory get the job done. Definitely, from the outside it looked a lot more like relief than anything. Rory has accomplished everything in the game of golf, and that was really the last thing for him to accomplish. The guy has won FedEx Cup, The Players, all four majors. Maybe the only other thing would be the Olympics."

But Scheffler has his own career to worry about. The world number one revealed he'll be taking plenty of inspiration from McIlroy's achievement, but it's nose to the grindstone this week. Sheffler won seven tournaments last year, This year, he's yet to grab any Sunday silverware.

"Was it pretty awesome watching Rory win the Grand Slam? Of course it was," continued the American.

"But as far as my life goes, I try to stay in the present. So, right now, I'm focused on this week. And when I get home next week, I'm going to be preparing for my next tournament.

"At the end of the day, my motivation is all internal. Was it really cool getting to see him accomplish that? Yes, of course. 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."