Rory McIlroy's honest views on rivals as golf star shows his true colours before the Open

Daily Mirror

19-07-2025

Rory McIlroy is always quick to offer his opinion on his rivals in the world of golf, with the Northern Irishman sharing his thoughts on a number of his fellow pros
Rory McIlroy is known for his straight-talking and honest style. The 36-year-old has previously taken swipes at LIV Golf and more recently had a pop at PGA Tour Champions, declaring that something must have gone "terribly wrong" if he ends up joining the senior circuit at 50.
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Despite his forthright views, McIlroy is still a hit with fellow golfers. His charm, charisma and sometimes brutal honesty has endeared him to his colleagues.
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McIlroy's knack for dishing out praise to his competitors as freely as they laud him has helped him keep things amicable with many big names in the sport, even as they vie for supremacy on the greens. Mirror Sport takes a deep dive into McIlroy's thoughts on his fellow golf stars.
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Scottie Scheffler
With both McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler sitting pretty at the pinnacle of the golf rankings, you'd think their rivalry might sour their camaraderie. However, the two maintain a remarkably respectful rapport, often entering tournaments as the leading contenders.
Ahead of the Houston Open in March, McIlroy was particularly complimentary about Scheffler, both in terms of his character and his professional achievements. The Northern Irishman, who boasts five major titles, said: "I think what Scottie's done the last couple years in golf is amazing. It's great to have him - he's great for the game.
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"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, he's got a great family. It's good to see him doing well – 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."
Tommy Fleetwood
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McIlroy has been equally generous in his praise of Tommy Fleetwood, having forged a strong friendship with the Englishman following their triumphant pairing in the 2023 Ryder Cup, where they earned the nickname 'Fleetwood Mac'. When Fleetwood successfully defended his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship crown in spectacular style back in 2018, McIlroy showed remarkable grace despite trailing by four shots.
The Masters winner said: "It's incredible. Tommy had a great year last year, won the Race to Dubai, No. 1 in Europe and then to just keep going. This week, defending champion, to put that round of golf together out there today, I mean, to shoot 65 in those conditions is seriously impressive.
"He's a great addition to the world of golf, a great addition to the European Tour and he will be a great addition to the Ryder Cup team in September. For Tommy to defend, and in such style against such a great field, it bodes well not just for him, but for European golf as well."
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Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm's decision to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour in December 2023 may have put a strain on his relationship with McIlroy, but it hasn't stopped the Holywood-born star from acknowledging the Spaniard's shrewd move. Despite their once-close bond, Rahm's surprising departure from the PGA Tour, after previously expressing his commitment, tested their friendship.
McIlroy, along with Tiger Woods, were outspoken against players leaving for LIV Golf since its launch in 2021. However, McIlroy's views seem to have evolved over the past 18 months showing a notable divergence from Woods' stance.
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Speaking on The Overlap in 2024, McIlroy said: "I think Jon, he's smart, and I think he sees things coming together [between LIV Golf and the PGA] at some point. So it's like, 'I take a lot of up-front money' - which is his prerogative, and he can absolutely do that - 'and if things come together, I'll maybe play LIV for a year, come back, play on the Tour, maybe some team golf on the fringes.'
"So it's a smart business move, it's opportunistic. I think he sees things will come back together. And he's in a lucky position; he's exempt for all the majors, there's not one person who wouldn't want him on a Ryder Cup team because of how good he is. So he was in a great position where there wasn't a ton of risk involved - but I've no problem with Jon going."
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McIlroy added: "I was maybe a little judgmental of the guys who went to LIV Golf at the start. I think it was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realise that not everyone is in my position or in Tiger Woods' position.
"We all turn professional to making a living playing the sports that we do, and I think that's what I realised over the last two years. I can't judge people for making that decision, so if I regret anything, it was probably being too judgmental at the start."
In 2024, McIlroy also lavished praise on the two-time major champion, calling him one of the best players in the world over the past five or six years.
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Shane Lowry
McIlroy's bond with Shane Lowry has strengthened, as both live in close proximity in south Florida. The Holywood native estimated they meet about five times a week when at home, often playing practice rounds together. Their families have also grown close.
McIlroy openly admires Lowry's approach to life and golf, particularly how the Irishman openly displays his emotions and savours his time on tour. McIlroy said: "I think Shane is very good at having fun, and I need more of that in my life."
Speaking on Netflix's 'Full Swing', McIlroy shared his personal struggles with juggling his roles, stating he wishes he was as laid back as Lowry. He added: "I've struggled with the balance of being the best golfer, trying to be the best husband or the best dad and sometimes I get overwhelmed and it can get all a bit too much for me.
"Then I see how Shane does it with a lot of ease and sometimes you have to focus on one or the other, and, you know, he's really good at that. I see him as a good role model for me in some ways. I can learn a lot from him in how he handles everything in his life."