Scottie Scheffler has done it again—and this time, in emphatic style. The world No. 1 cruised to victory at the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, finishing 17-under-par and leaving the rest of the field trailing in his wake. It was a performance that drew admiration from fans and fellow players alike—including some pointed and respectful praise from Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
Rory McIlroy: “He is the bar we’re all trying to get to”
There’s no one better positioned to appreciate Scheffler’s brilliance at Portrush than Rory McIlroy. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, McIlroy couldn’t close the gap to challenge Scheffler but was gracious in defeat.
“None of us could hang with Scottie this week,” Rory said after his final round. “He is an incredible player. He’s been dominant this week. Honestly, he’s been dominant for the last couple years. He is the bar that we’re all trying to get to.”
McIlroy even went as far as to put Scheffler’s run into historical perspective:
“You could argue there have only been two or three players in the history of the game that have been on a run like the one Scottie’s been on for the last 24 to 36 months.”
It’s high praise—and coming from a four-time major winner like Rory, it says a lot.
Bryson DeChambeau: “He’s playing chess while we’re playing checkers”
Bryson DeChambeau, never one to mince words, offered his own take after a solid finish that still left him well off the top of the leaderboard.
“Scottie’s playing chess while we’re playing checkers out there,” he said. “What he’s doing from tee to green is nearly flawless. It’s frustrating, sure, but it’s also incredibly inspiring.”
Bryson even made a comparison that will have golf historians talking:
“When Scottie’s locked in like this, it feels like the rest of us are just fighting for second. It reminds me of what Tiger used to do to fields.”
A Season for the Ages
This Open Championship win marks Scheffler’s second major title of the year and his seventh victory of the 2025 season. He’s leading every major statistical category, topping the FedExCup standings, and showing no signs of slowing down.
It’s not just that Scheffler is winning—it’s how he’s doing it. With control, calm, and a relentless consistency that’s starting to look unbeatable. When competitors like McIlroy and DeChambeau are tipping their caps, you know the rest of the tour is officially on notice.
As the season moves toward the FedExCup Playoffs and Ryder Cup buzz starts to build, one thing is clear: Scottie Scheffler is setting a new standard—and everyone else is scrambling to keep up.
