Brandel Chamblee Says Rory McIlroy Will Have a Hard Time Beating Scottie Scheffler at the Masters for One Reason

While it’s uncertain who will take home the coveted green jacket, a few favorite names are on the patron’s lips ahead of The Masters, including Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. Although McIlroy has been in great form this season, with two wins leading up to the Masters, he will have to work extra hard against Scheffler at Augusta National. Well, at least, according to Brandel Chamblee.

Brandel Chamblee sat down for a discussion for Episode 754 on Fore Play Podcast Plus ahead of the Masters Tournament. There, along with the hosts, he discussed Scheffler and McIlroy. So, what does Chamblee think of Scheffler leading a winless year against McIlroy’s double wins? “Before he [Scheffler] played in Houston, I would have said, ‘nah,’ you know? But he’s not in the same form he was last year, but he’s playing better than when he got here in 2022. And because the golf course fits him so beautifully. This golf course is so unbelievably suited for Scottie Scheffler. I mean Rory’s got his work cut out to beat Scottie Scheffler.” 

Chamblee explains it all through Scheffler’s on-course stats. “At the first week out of AT&T, he was first in strokes gained in approach. He was the first in strokes gained off the tee at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.” So, let’s take a quick look at it. Scottie Scheffler has shown impressive performance on the PGA Tour. In 2025, he ranks 6th in off the tee, 3rd in tee to green, 7th in approach, and 42nd in putting, resulting in an overall rank of 3rd. McIlroy’s ranks are slightly better. He ranks 1st in both Average Strokes Gained: Off-the-Tee (0.857) and Total Strokes Gained (2.319).

But Chamblee is still sure Scottie Scheffler can own the back 9s. “If he [Scheffler] wins this week, he would be the only person to have won three Masters in four years.” This week, Scheff aims to become the first golfer in 23 years to win back-to-back titles at Augusta National since Tiger Woods. The former has consistently performed well, finishing in the top 20 in all five appearances at the Masters earlier. Plus, the Texan had a marvellous past season with 8 Tour wins and a Masters win. Despite these headwinds, Rory McIlroy also has someone on his side, thanks to one fix in his game.

Butch Harmon says Rory McIlroy has fixed one major weakness ahead of the Masters

“I think he has got a great chance this year. You saw how well he has played in the last few weeks. He has already won twice,” said Butch Harmon in an interview with Mirror Sport. The golf instructor believes Rory McIlroy has developed the short-iron game needed to secure a Masters victory, having learned important lessons from last year. Despite finishing tied for 22nd and 15 shots behind the winner, Scottie Scheffler, Harmon is confident about McIlroy’s current performance. His explanation? McIlroy’s effective 9-iron shot during the playoff at The Players. Harmon believes that is enough indication that McIlroy has fixed the final flaw in his game.

Harmon says that they focused on improving McIlroy’s short-iron game, specifically shots from 150 yards in, as he was consistently hitting the ball left. His example? McIlroy’s playoff win in Jacksonville. Particularly, Harmon praised McIlroy’s well-executed 9-iron shot on the 17th hole. “That is really what I worked on with him. The rest of his game was fine. He has gone on and done the work himself, and he has done a good job. He is the only one to have won twice this year. Him and SS (Scheffler) are going to be the co-favorites because Scheffler played well last week.”

However, Harmon believes McIlroy needs to keep his cool at Augusta National under immense pressure. But the expectations come from McIlroy himself. “I mean, I’d love to win the Masters. It’s the only major that I haven’t won,” McIlroy replied on The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast when asked what he wanted to do before retiring. Earlier on March 31, McIlroy revealed a bit of discomfort in his right elbow after his T5 finish at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. He added that he is set for treatment to ensure it’s in top shape heading into Augusta.

Of course, to make sure that happens, the golfer is also trying to blur the “noises.” McIlroy is definitely in good form, so is going to be a tough contender or will he face one at the Augusta National? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!