Rory McIlroy backs Scottie Scheffler for Player of the Year
Rory McIlroy says Scottie Scheffler should win Player of the Year despite his own achievements.
The update
Rory McIlroy has publicly endorsed Scottie Scheffler for the PGA Tour’s Player of the Year award. Speaking at the BMW Championship, McIlroy stated he does not believe he is the frontrunner for the honor, even if he were to win the Tour Championship this week. He described Scheffler’s recent performance as dominant, noting that Scheffler gained nine strokes on the greens every week.
Why it matters
The PGA Tour Player of the Year award is determined by a vote from the Tour’s members. McIlroy’s endorsement adds significant weight to Scheffler’s candidacy, highlighting the world No. 1’s consistency over the 2026 season. Scheffler has finished in the top 25 in all but one of his 18 starts this year, with multiple runner-up finishes and two wins.
What to watch
With two events remaining in the 2026 season, the race for the award remains open. Scheffler’s recent form and McIlroy’s support are key factors, but the final vote will depend on the outcomes of the upcoming tournaments. The Tour Championship and the season-ending event will be critical for players looking to influence the final tally.
Sources
- espn.com — McIlroy's quote and Scheffler's performance details
- cbssports.com — Context on the award voting and Scheffler's consistency
