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Rory McIlroy defends Scottie Scheffler amid lazy criticisms about World No 1’s non-global schedule
Rory McIlroy has defended Scottie Scheffler against criticism that the world’s top-ranked golfer should play more tournaments outside the United States. McIlroy said Scheffler can choose his own schedule and that his young family and personal priorities make it understandable to limit travel.
Scheffler made 20 starts in the 2026 PGA Tour season, including the Scottish Open and the Open Championship outside the US. He won three times and earned nearly $31 million; the article says he had been world No. 1 for 176 consecutive weeks. McIlroy, speaking before the Abu Dhabi Aldar Golf Championship, contrasted Scheffler’s preference for staying close to home with his own enjoyment of travel.
In short
- McIlroy says Scheffler should decide how much he travels.
- Scheffler made 20 starts and won three times in 2026.
- His schedule reflects his family and personal priorities.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Scheffler has earned the right to set his own schedule, and 20 starts, including two major events outside the United States, represent a substantial season. With a young family and personal priorities, limiting long-distance travel is a reasonable choice; players’ schedules need not be identical to demonstrate commitment to the sport.
The case against
As the world’s leading golfer, Scheffler’s appearances can help make international tournaments more compelling and connect fans beyond the United States with the sport’s biggest names. Critics can reasonably argue that playing more events abroad would show greater engagement with golf’s global audience, even if his current schedule is successful and includes overseas starts.