Do you think you know how many times these two giants have played together? There’s no doubt that the duel between Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy grabs all the attention in the lead-up to the PGA Championship. And rightly so. Number 1 and Number 2. The latest Masters champion, the Grand Slam master, and the man who has just completed one of the greatest seasons in golf history. As if that weren’t enough, they play together in the first two rounds. Obviously, it’s not the first time this has happened, but you might assume it’s occurred many times… And no, it’s not that many.
The first time Scheffler and McIlroy were in the same tournament was at the US Open in 2016, at Oakmont, when Scottie was still an amateur player. Mind you, we said they were in the same tournament, meaning they both played in it, but that doesn’t mean they shared a round. In fact, it didn’t happen. Not that time nor for several years after. In fact, you have to fast forward to 2022 to find the first time McIlroy and Scheffler shared the same stage.
It was at THE PLAYERS Championship. At the Champions course of TPC Sawgrass. They played together in the third round. The first encounter went to the Texan. Scheffler shot 68 and McIlroy carded a 73. The second meeting of the two stars was very significant. It happened in the fourth round of the Tour Championship that same year, 2022. Scheffler shot 73 and McIlroy delivered an excellent score of 66 to snatch the FedEx Cup from everyone. Two head-to-head duels and a split of points. One victory each. Until today…
In total, Scheffler and McIlroy have shared a total of 18 rounds of golf between 2022 and this PGA Championship. The record is astonishing. Rory won on seven occasions, Scottie did so on seven, and they tied four times. As if there wasn’t enough intrigue in this mystical duel we’re about to witness at the PGA Championship. The first two rounds at Quail Hollow should serve to break the tie, although it doesn’t necessarily have to happen. We’ll see.
As for the Majors, before this PGA, they’ve had a total of five encounters. Well, the record is a tie again. More fuel to the fire. More mystique. Rory won twice, Scottie did so twice, and they tied a fifth time. This Thursday’s round will be the sixth time they face each other in the Majors and the nineteenth in total. It’s not that many. That’s why it’s so special.
The meeting is at 19:22 BST. At that time, the two giants will tee off with the extraordinary company of Xander Schauffele, the defending champion. Afterwards, the golf gods will place each in their rightful place, and the one who deserves it will take the spotlight, but in the meantime, there’s a duel that lights up everything at Quail Hollow. A tiebreaker is sought.
