Scheffler Defends PGA Title After 3 Straight Runner-Up Finishes, Dismissing McIlroy Rivalry
Updated
Updated · Sky Sports · May 13
Scheffler Defends PGA Title After 3 Straight Runner-Up Finishes, Dismissing McIlroy Rivalry
14 articles · Updated · Sky Sports · May 13
Scottie Scheffler opened his PGA Championship title defense saying his recent run of three straight PGA Tour runner-up finishes is "bittersweet," even as it confirms he is playing well.
The world No. 1 said Rory McIlroy's success does not drive him, insisting his motivation is internal and centered on improving, practicing and competing rather than chasing another player.
That stance comes after Scheffler finished one shot behind McIlroy at the Masters, then lost the RBC Heritage in a playoff to Matt Fitzpatrick and placed second again behind Cameron Young at the Cadillac Championship.
McIlroy, the world No. 2, called Scheffler "relentless" and pointed to his steady process, faith and lack of volatility as reasons he remains so hard to beat.
Scheffler starts Thursday alongside Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, trying to defend the PGA title he won during a 2025 season that included 6 PGA Tour victories.
Will Aronimink's classic layout favor Scheffler, or can red-hot rivals like Matt Fitzpatrick end his reign?
Is Scheffler’s runner-up streak a sign of weakness, or simply the prelude to another major championship win?