Rory McIlroy has already made Scottie Scheffler thoughts clear after ‘classless’ Masters snub

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are the biggest stars in golf, and the PGA Tour duo have had plenty to say about each other recently

Rory McIlroy already reiterated his deep respect for Scottie Scheffler’s contribution to golf – before the American was criticized for dashing off straight after presenting the Green Jacket to the newly-crowned Masters champion.

The Northern Irishman became the latest winner at Augusta on Sunday after edging out Justin Rose in their nail-biting sudden-death playoff.

Scheffler, 28, was the defending champion but could only finish fourth as he fell short of capturing a third Masters title in four years. As is the tradition at the Masters, the former champion presents his successor with the prestigious green jacket.

When the American proceeded to do so during the indoor ceremony alongside the chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, Fred Ridley, McIlroy replied: “Thanks, Scottie”.

However, it was what happened next that infuriated fans on social media as once the jacket was placed around the 35-year-old, Scheffler quickly walked out of shot and didn’t follow Ridley in shaking the hand of McIlroy.

He felt the wrath of golf fans as many took to social media to criticize the two-time major winner. One user ever accused him of being ‘classless’, writing: “Scheffler classless, never opened his mouth or shake hands put jacket on and legged it”.

It didn’t end there, with others also hitting out at the Americans. Another added: “What’s the story with Scottie? Not even a ‘well done’ and just melted away.”

The pair, however, did embrace during the on-course presentation after Scheffler presented McIlroy with the green jacket. Despite the furore surrounding the presentation, the PGA Tour duo have the ultimate respect for each other.

The five-time major champion threw praise on the world No. 1 last month for his dominance in the sport that saw him earn nine tournament wins last year.

“I think what Scottie’s done the last couple years in golf is amazing… he’s great for the game,” McIlroy said before the Texas Children’s Houston Open.

“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 was equally complimentary of his rival as he added: “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.”

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