Rory McIlroy offered a candid assessment of his chances for PGA Tour Player of the Year, stating that Scottie Scheffler is the only contender. "No chance, Scottie [Scheffler] is," McIlroy said when asked about his prospects for the award.
McIlroy's remarks followed Scheffler's commanding eight-shot victory at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. "If he gains nine strokes on the greens every week, we’re all f—ed," McIlroy added, underscoring Scheffler's consistent performance. McIlroy was grouped with Scheffler during the tournament in Memphis, where McIlroy finished in 66th place, a performance he found disappointing. Mclroy, a four-time FedEx Cup winner and three-time PGA Player of the Year, acknowledged Scheffler's impressive season. Scheffler's win at the St. Jude marked his 21st career PGA Tour victory and his second of the year, following his win at the American Express Tournament in January. The $3.6 million prize money from the St. Jude event brought Scheffler's career earnings to over $119 million, nearing Tiger Woods' all-time record. Scheffler also secured a runner-up finish at the Masters and top-five placements at the U.S. Open and the Open Championship.