Xander Schauffele reveals why Rory McIlroy’s epic Masters victory is ‘scary’ for the PGA Tour – as Northern Irishman returns to action this week

With Rory McIlroy currently playing some of the best golf of his career, other PGA Tour players are watching the Career Grand Slam champion in awe.

But the 35-year-old’s sensational victory at Augusta National has sent a warning signal out to other competitors on the US circuit, with many now backing the Northern Irishman to capitalise on his fine vein of form and ‘rattle off’ multiple titles this season.

Ten days ago, McIlroy shook off the pressure that has weighed him down at The Masters for so long as he finally donned the coveted Green Jacket.

With this now being his third PGA Tour victory so far this season, 2024 Open Champion Xander Schauffele believes that McIlroy, who is playing ‘free’ from the burden of chasing the Career Grand Slam, will ‘rattle off’ more major titles in 2025.

‘He is a generational talent and to do what he did is incredible for the game of golf,’ the two-time major winner said on Tuesday.

‘If that was something that was holding him back and now he feels free, that could be a pretty scary thing.’

Schauffele also lifted the lid on what it’s like to play against McIlroy when he’s on his A-game.

‘He has all the tools,’ the US star added. ‘I’ve played against him when he’s firing on all cylinders and it’s not fun for me. It’s fun for everyone else to watch but it’s hard to beat.

Would I be surprised if he started rattling [more majors] off? No. Am I going to be there to try and stop him? Absolutely.’

McIlroy is now set to link up with Shane Lowry this week as the European Ryder Cup stars prepare to defend their title at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans.

The Northern Irishman’s next chance to pick up a major will come at Quail Hollow on May 15, where Schauffle will look to defend his 2024 PGA Championship title. McIlroy, who currently ranks first in the FedEx Cup standings, has an excellent record around the New Orleans track, having won the Wells Fargo Championship, hosted at Quail Hollow, four times – notably last winning here in 2024.