Scottie Scheffler has responded to the backlash that he received after his presentation of the prestigious Green Jacket to Rory McIlroy at the Masters. As is tradition at Augusta, 2024 champion Scheffler handed over the coveted jacket to McIlroy, who defeated Justin Rose in a playoff to win the title.

However, many fans weren’t impressed with the manner in which Scheffler behaved during McIlroy’s crowing moment. A viral clip showed Scheffler trying to help the Northern Irishman into the Green Jacket, as Rory struggled briefly to get his arm into the sleeve. Once the handover was complete, though, Scheffler moved out of the frame and swiftly left.

He didn’t even appear to congratulate Rory on his triumph, which led to him receiving criticism online, with some calling it disrespectful towards the new champion. His maiden Masters win was a significant one for McIlroy, as it saw him become just the sixth player in history to win the modern Grand Slam of all four Major titles at least once.

Scheffler Didn’t Hang Around After Presenting Green Jacket to McIlroy

The 2024 Masters champion has now explained his actions

Speaking to Sky Sports about his controversial handover, Scheffler insisted that the behaviour some had branded as ‘cold’ and ‘awkward’, was actually his attempt at showing respect for McIlroy and allowing him to enjoy his career-defining achievement.

“It was such an emotional day for him. I kind of just tried to stay out of the way and basically just get the jacket on without embarrassing him or myself. I watched the finish and it was really cool for me to be able to see.

“I don’t have the understanding of what it’s like to be asked about the career Grand Slam. but I have like a small understanding of what it’s like to be asked like, ‘Hey you’ve accomplished this but you haven’t accomplished that,’ and it can be very taxing on people sometimes. So it was cool to be able to see Rory get the job done.”

While Scheffler claimed the title 12 months ago, this time around the world number one could only claim fourth place as McIlroy ended his long wait for a Masters championship. Although the pre-tournament favourite would have hoped to win the tournament for a third time, he still had plenty of reason to be pleased with his showing, having earned seven figures in prize money as a result of his performance.

A disappointing third round, where he shot an ever-par 72, meant that he was never truly in contention to win the tournament heading into the final round.

Scottie Scheffler’s 2025 Masters scorecard
Round	Score
Round 1	68
Round 2	71
Round 3	72
Round 4	69
Total	280

 

McIlroy referred to his relief at no longer having to answer questions about winning the Masters as he joked with reporters following his win on Sunday. He cheekily asked: “What will we talk about next year?” after finally completing the career Grand Slam that had eluded him for so many years.

Relatively young in golfing terms at 35 years old, McIlroy still has plenty of time to add to his tally of 43 career tournament wins (including five Majors). He won’t take part in the RBC Heritage this week, but with the PGA Championship and the US Open both on the horizon, McIlroy doesn’t have much time to celebrate before trying to make history again.