Like the rest of the golfing world, Rory McIlroy has followed Scottie Scheffler rather closely. It’s hard not to, especially after his historic 2024 season, in which Scheffler won nine times overall.

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen a golfer play as many bogey-free rounds as Scottie," McIlroy said. "He just doesn’t make mistakes."

He already has contemplated the possibilities even before winning at Pebble Beach. McIlroy is entering his 11th year without winning a major. The Masters has been at the forefront for him since it became the missing leg of the career Grand Slam, if not sooner.