Rory McIlroy’s stance on Scottie Scheffler as green jacket gesture leaves fans fuming

Scottie Scheffler was criticised for his actions after Rory McIlroy was presented with the green jacket at the Masters, but the pair are in no doubt about their own opinion of the other

Rory McIlroy has previously expressed his admiration for Scottie Scheffler’s impact on golf, with the American facing backlash for his hasty exit post-green jacket presentation at the Masters. The golfing world watched in awe as McIlroy dramatically clinched victory at Augusta on Sunday.

He narrowly defeated Justin Rose in a heart-stopping playoff. Scheffler, the previous year’s champion, ended up in fourth place, missing out on what would have been his third Masters win in four years.

Following tradition, he presented the green jacket to McIlroy during an indoor ceremony with Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley, to which McIlroy simply responded: “Thanks, Scottie.”

But it was Scheffler’s swift departure from the scene, without shaking hands with McIlroy like Ridley did, that sparked outrage among fans online.

Critics took to social media to vent, with one commenting: “Scheffler classless, never opened his mouth or shake hands put jacket on and legged it.” The criticism didn’t stop there, as more fans questioned Scheffler’s sportsmanship.

Another user wrote: “What’s the story with Scottie? Not even a ‘well done’ and just melted away.” But McIlroy and Scheffler did share the ultimate mark of sportsmanship when they embraced during the subsequent on-course presentation.

And the Northern Irishman has previously lauded Scheffler’s achievements, saying ahead of the Texas Children’s Houston Open last month: “I think what Scottie’s done the last couple years in golf is amazing… He’s great for the game.

“What he did last year, I don’t think it gets talked about enough. His season last year is up there with one of the all-time great seasons in the history of the game.

“He’s an amazing player, he’s a great person as well, and he’s got a great family. It’s good to see him doing – like, it’s good for the game, and it’s nice to see nice people succeed. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Scottie.”

Scheffler returned the compliment, focusing on the competitive edge and mutual respect that drives them. He said: “He’s got significantly more tournament wins than I do; he has more major wins.

“I guess up until last week, I had technically more Players wins. I think when you’re a great player like that, you’re always looking for sources of motivation, especially as you get a bit older.”