Rory McIlroy’s Return From Mental Health Break Ignored as Scottie Scheffler’s Daring Act Steals the Show

“I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game,” said a dejected Rory McIlroy soon after his brutal loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 U.S. Open. While the golfer did divulge his plans to stay away, he also made clear his intent to come back to The Renaissance Club to defend his title of champion. But the community doesn’t seem to give his comeback any time of the day!

An announcement was shared by PGA Tour Communications on their X handle regarding the field of golfers that are set to tee it up at the Genesis Scottish Open. Interestingly, the event in Massachusetts is headlined by two of the top three golfers on the OWGR, with the 2024 Masters Champ, Scottie Scheffler, not being part of it.

Opting not to play at the Genesis Scottish Open, without a doubt, appears to be a daring move by the current world No. 1. Why? Well, it’s all thanks to the presence of ‘the links factor’. It enjoys a symbiotic relationship with the upcoming Open Championship in the sense that it provides similar playing conditions, just like the major that follows it.

Coming back to the 4-time major champ, he suffered a heartbreaking loss to LIV Golf Pro DeChambeau despite propelling himself to the top of the leaderboard on the final day. However, two missed putts at the par-4, 16th hole and the par-4, 18th hole caused him to lose out to the ‘Scientist’ by just one stroke.

At the end of the day following the defeat, the golf world could only spot the athlete leaving Pinehurst No. 2 emotionally in a car. Although many in the community were infuriated with the 35-year-old McIlroy’s hasty decision back then, none this time around seem to turn their heads his way!

Netizens wonder about Scottie Scheffler instead of Rory McIlroy

“Why is Scottie not playing?” was the question that a fan couldn’t help but dish out after looking at the field. Meanwhile, Scheffler had, back at the interview post his win at the Travelers Championship, divulged his plans for the foreseeable future: “I’m playing The Open, the Olympics, and then the last three playoff events, and then I think I should be on the Presidents Cup team, and after that, I’ll take a break.” 

A follower consequently dubbed it “A bold move by Scottie.” while another user on X commented, “Scottie giving us an early Christmas before he takes all our coins at The Open.” Back at another presser during the 2024 U.S. Open, the golfer had pointed out how he would have liked to miss the Memorial Tournament despite emerging victorious at the same. He also said, “I think going into the major championships, especially the ones we know are going to be really challenging. It may be in my best interest not to play the week before.” A daring but sensible move, one might say!

Although Tom Kim missed the cut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, he had finished second place at the Travelers Championship while tailing closely behind Scheffler. That’s not all. He even finished T4 at the RBC Canadian Open and has been in scintillating form recently. An enthusiast couldn’t help but point out the same and ask, “Why is Tom Kim a sponsor’s invite?”

Another golfer that they turned attention to instead of Rory McIlroy was Will Zalatoris. Ever since his comeback, he has managed to finish a total of three times inside the top 10 this season alone. Fans of the golfer didn’t shy away from expressing their support for him, as they commented while exuding joy at spotting his name: “Great news seeing Zalatoris in the field,” and “Easy win for Zalatoris.”

Are you excited about the upcoming event? It would seem fair to be exhilarated since the field boasts a lot of insane talents, including the current No. 2 golfer on the OWGR. But will Rory McIlroy redeem himself and defend his title? That remains to be seen!