Rory McIlroy & Scottie Scheffler’s Cruel Masters ‘Snub’ Leaves Golf Fans Infuriated: ‘Disgrace to the Game’

Even before Wednesday, Masters is getting embroiled in needless controversy. First, Phil Mickelson’s absence from the press conference didn’t sit well with many. Now, it’s Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy getting left behind, rubbing many the wrong way. Scheffler and McIlroy are part of a grouping along with Xander Schauffele. 

Perhaps the most exciting group, but not deemed worthy of ‘featured group’ status by broadcasters. The fact that a winner could very well come from this group has further angered fans. And indeed, their recent form bolsters that claim.

Why Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler are the most exciting group

Scheffler, McIlroy, and Schauffele have 39 PGA Tour wins between them. Scheffler and McIlroy have five majors. Moreover, they are the current world no. 1 and world no. 2, while Schauffele is no. 4. These three will tee off at 10.48 a.m. on Thursday. But it is Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, and Cameron Smith who will be the featured group at that slot (10.54 AM).

Scottie Scheffler looks indomitable on the greens this year. The 27-year-old has netted a top-10 except for one of his last eight outings. Scheffler ranks first in Strokes Gained (SG): Total, SG: Approach to Green, and second in SG: Off the Tee. Schauffele stands just behind his Ryder Cup teammate in SG: Total. He is also ranked 8th in SG: Off the Tee and 19th in SG: Approach to Green.

Augusta National has traditionally favored players with strong iron play. And, considering their form, there is no doubt that both are favorites in the 88th edition of the Masters. Whereas McIlroy, despite his nervy display on the greens, cannot be ruled out of contention based on historical records. Netizens on X were shocked that the broadcasters thought there was another grouping better than this.

Netizens rip apart broadcasters for the ‘annoying’ choice

Scottie Scheffler descends on Augusta with the lowest odds since Tiger Woods. Rory McIlroy, in his tenth attempt to complete a career grand slam, is a bettor’s favorite at 11/1 on Oddschecker. Schauffele ranks fourth after the defending champion, Jon Rahm, at 16/1. Naturally, the consensus on the internet is that there might be a winner among these three.
One fan commented, “It should be a featured group. Green jacket very likely to go to one of them.” While another fan was baffled. “These are 3 of the top 10 favorites and the overall favorite. Help me understand.” Another user too lent their support, commenting, “Literally one of these players is winning @themasters lol.”

Despite not being a featured group, they would take the spotlight anyway. After all, Scheffler and Schauffele have been in spectacular form. Rory McIlroy, too, looks to have stepped up his game with a solo third at the Valero Texas Open. Most netizens feel all of them will be in contention on Sunday.

One fan tried to provide some justification. They opined the reason was “that group will probably be “the feature” of the main telecast.” While another pointed out, “You’ll probably see a lot of them on Saturday and Sunday.” But not all were convinced. One fan questioned, “Who made this awful decision?”  Another user described it as a disgraceful act. “Literally a disgrace to the game.” While others have just a handful of adjectives for it: “annoying,” “joke,” “outrageous.”

It remains to be seen whether these three can live up to expectations. Scheffler tied for 10th last year, along with Schauffele. Rory McIlroy missed the cut, shooting 5-over after two rounds.

Read More: Masters 2024: Rory McIlroy’s Desperate Moves to Finally Win a Green Jacket