Scottie Scheffler's noticed Rory McIlroy changes as huge Tiger Woods claim made
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has claimed that Rory McIlroy has made several improvements to his game ahead of the PGA Championship with the pair set to face off when it gets underway on Thursday
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has praised Rory McIlroy's scintillating form ahead of the PGA Championship. McIlroy has already secured victories at the Players Championship, Pebble Beach, as well as landmark Masters win to complete his career Grand Slam, so far in 2025.
As Scheffler gears up for a star-studded group alongside McIlroy and reigning US PGA champion Xander Schauffele at Quail Hollow, the 28-year-old acknowledged the Northern Irish star's influence on his own game this season. He also noted that he had seen several improvements in the 36-year-old.
The New Jersey-born star hailed McIlroy as not only an inspiration but as possibly the best driver in the history of the sport, even outstripping Tiger Woods in terms of pace and accuracy.
Reflecting on whether McIlroy's dazzling performances have stoked his competitive flames, Scheffler said: "Yeah, I got asked that same question at the Byron, and it's always motivating when you just get beat, and in golf you tend to get beat a lot. You don't really get to win that many tournaments.
"Rory has been off to a great start this year, and he's definitely improved and made some changes in his game from last year. There's always little things I'm trying to do to get better, and I think that's why we keep coming back.
"Golf is kind of an endless pursuit of getting the best out of yourself, and I'm looking forward to continuing to do that as the year goes on. But like you said, Rory has been playing some great golf this year."
After struggling with a hand injury, Scheffler finished tied for eighth at last year's PGA Championship and had a slow start to 2025.
However, he finished fourth at Augusta, where he was defending his title, and won the CJ Cup Byron Nelson earlier this month, reports the Express.
When asked if he would swap attributes with anyone on the Tour, Scheffler praised his friend Sam Burns' putting ability but reserved the highest praise for McIlroy.
"I think in our game, there's always little things that I look at in people's games that I can improve on," Scheffler added.
"You look at a guy like Rory, you'd be hard-pressed to find anybody that has drove the ball better than he has in the history of the game.
"He might be the best driver of the ball that we've ever seen. You had a guy like Tiger who had a ton of speed, but Rory just has the accuracy that sets him apart too. Not only does he hit it really far, he hits it really straight."
McIlroy is heading to Quail Hollow, aiming for his sixth major title and third PGA Championship, having previously triumphed in 2012 and 2014.
On the other hand, Scheffler will be seeking his maiden victory in a major, with his best performance to date being a tie for second place behind Brooks Koepka in 2023.
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