Rory McIlroy's former coach makes eye-catching claim about him and Scottie Scheffler

Renowned putting coach Phil Kenyon, who has worked with both and , recently labelled the latter "more competitive" than anyone else he's ever worked with. McIlroy and Scheffler have dominated the world rankings for most of the year. Both claimed victories in recent weeks, with two-time champion Scheffler handing McIlroy at Augusta National last month.

World No. 1 Scheffler then answered in emphatic style, sealing his maiden triumph of 2025 at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson with a superb display. On home soil in Texas, Scheffler fired an outstanding eight-under-par 63, reaching 31 under for the tournament and matching the all-time 72-hole record score of 253. His ability to rebound following a fourth-place finish at the Masters was notable, and English coach Kenyon, who began mentoring Scheffler in 2023, has since praised the 28-year-old's "dangerous" determination, suggesting it eclipses McIlroy's own competitive fire.

In an interview with Grosvenor Sport, Kenyon said: "You underestimate Scottie at your peril. He might not be the most flamboyant golfer like Rory.

"Scottie is a different type of golfer but he's the most competitive golfer that I've worked with. That competitiveness is a super strength.

"It's dangerous to underestimate anyone that's ultra competitive. Plus the fact when you look at the quality of his game over the last few years it's as good as the game has been played, and you need to respect that."

Scheffler echoed these sentiments after his latest success, admitting McIlroy's Masters victory had left him feeling "fired up". It followed the 35-year-old Northern Irishman's own admission that Scheffler's dominant 2024 - where he collected eight trophies including the Players Championship, the Masters, and Olympic gold - inspired him to raise his standards.

The American said: "I think any time somebody has beaten any of us out here, I think we're all, you could say inspired, but I think we're all fired up to come out here and compete.

"I think that's what's great about our game. Week in and week out, we get to come out here and compete. This week I was the best player. I have the week off, and we'll see the week after who is the best player at the PGA.

"Rory has been playing some tremendous golf this year. The career Grand Slam was really special to watch. I was glad to be able to be there for it. I think any time you're getting beat, you're always fired up just a little bit extra to go out and practice."

Kenyon has been pivotal to Scheffler's rise, sharpening his short game and transforming him into arguably the game's most consistent performer. The coach has also recently worked with Max Homa, Keegan Bradley, and Russell Henley, and as of late 2024, counted seven of his players in the world's top 40.