Scottie Scheffler denies Rory McIlroy Putter Claims Amid Upsurge In Form After PGA Tour Rival’s Comments

World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has been the talk of the golfing world in 2024, with an extraordinary season under his belt. He’s triumphed at the Masters, claimed Olympic gold in Paris, and ended his season with a Tour Championship win, taking home a whopping £19 million. This brings his total earnings for the year to an astonishing £41.2 million, after winning seven PGA Tour events.

Despite all this success, one persistent rumor has hovered around Scheffler’s remarkable putting turnaround. Fans and commentators alike have speculated that Rory McIlroy’s advice was the secret ingredient to Scheffler’s improved form with the flat stick. The story goes that McIlroy suggested the 28-year-old switch to a mallet-style putter earlier this year at the Genesis Invitational. After the switch, Scheffler dominated the tournament, winning by five strokes with a TaylorMade Spider Tour X putter in his bag.

Scheffler has reaped the rewards from switching his putter in the 2024 season
Credit: Getty

Following that victory, McIlroy quipped, “I’m not going to give him any more advice, that’s for sure!” leading many to believe McIlroy’s recommendation was the catalyst behind Scheffler’s newfound putting prowess.

But Scheffler is not buying into that narrative.

During a recent appearance on the *Pardon My Take* podcast, Scheffler debunked the popular belief, saying, “No, it’s something that I’d thought about, but don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story, right?” He clarified that the change in his putter was not directly linked to McIlroy’s comments, but something he and his putting coach had been considering for some time.

But he’s insisted McIlroy’s comments in February didn’t play any part in his decision
Credit: Getty

Scheffler further elaborated: “At the beginning of the year, I’d improved a little bit, but I still wasn’t where I thought I could be. I thought I could get better. It was nice for me to get out of my own head and look at something different.”

McIlroy, who has had his own share of ups and downs this season, attempted to downplay his influence in March, saying, “It’s very hard to talk about other players. Scottie has had enough criticism about his putting—you guys talk about it enough.”

While Scheffler has silenced his critics with a sensational season, McIlroy’s wait for his first major title since 2014 continues. Yet, despite the banter and speculation, one thing remains clear—Scottie Scheffler has crafted his success his way, and this is just the beginning of what could be an even more dominant reign in golf.

Stay tuned for more updates on the latest golfing drama!