SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER has opened up about giving Masters winner Rory McIlroy his first green jacket.
The world No 1 was slammed for the supposedly “classless” way he handed the Northern Irishman his iconic cloak.
Scottie Scheffler has opened up about giving Rory McIlroy his green jacket[/caption]
McIlroy beat Justin Rose in a playoff to claim his first Major title in 11 years and complete a long-awaited Grand Slam.
As the 2024 champion, it was Scheffler’s duty to pass on the historic green jacket during an indoor and outdoor ceremony.
After a slightly awkward presenting of the jacket with McIlroy struggling to get his right arm into the sleeve, McIlroy took a deep breath.
The two-time Masters champion helped the new Augusta king put on his green regalia – before quickly taking off without a word.
Fans were quick to make something of his failure to congratulate him indoors, though Scheffler did embrace McIlroy as he presented the green jacket out on the course.
But in reality, Scheffler has since revealed that was just trying to stay out of the way.
The 28-year-old said: “It was such an emotional day for him. I got to watch the whole celebration.
“I kind of just tried to stay out of the way and basically just get the jacket on without embarrassing him or myself.
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“I watched the finish and it was really cool for me to be able to see because I don’t have the understanding of what it’s like to be asked about the career Grand Slam.
“But I have like a small understanding of what it’s like to be asked like, ‘Hey you’ve accomplished this but you haven’t accomplished that’.
Rory McIlroy in a green jacket
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“And it can be very taxing on people sometimes. So it was cool to be able to see Rory get the job done.”
Viewers were not happy with the first ceremony, with one saying on social media: “That was poor from Scheffler. Didn’t even shake his hand. Put the jacket on him and walked off.”
A second said: “Scheffler classless.”
A third added: “What’s the story with Scottie? Not even a ‘well done’ and just melted away. Very awkward.”
Despite the awkward exchange, things were far more amicable on the course with Scheffler presenting the jacket to McIlroy again with a smile before they embraced one another in a hug.
Clearly, there was no ill will at all between the world’s top two golfers, who were seen chopping it up following their initial post-round meet-up.
In winning the Masters, McIlroy became just the sixth man to complete golf’s career Grand Slam of all four majors.
He joins an elite club fronted by Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods.
McIlroy saw his two-shot lead evaporate after the first hole but was able to wrestle back control before a late charge from Rose forced sudden death.
After missing a six-foot putt on the 18th hole just minutes earlier, the two golfers were asked to go again in a play-off.
But the world No 2 overcame his demons, with a terrific approach to leave him within three feet of the pin to snatch a birdie in the decider.
The 35-year-old was overcome with tears of joy as the reality dawned on him.
The Holywood-born ace collapsed to the ground with his head in hands as his shoulders wracked with sobs.
Masters 2025
RORY McILROY finally won the Masters to complete an epic Grand Slam after YEARS of waiting.
The fans’ favourite fell to his knees and roared in celebration after beating Justin Rose in a dramatic play-off.
McIlroy later broke down in an emotional TV interview as he said: “A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it.”
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