When Rory Mcilroy’s last shepherd fell into the hole in the choking play-off series at Augusta National, Scottie Scheffler closed the journey to protect the Masters title as the champion in 2024. He did not win, but there was still an iconic mission: handing over the Green Jacket to Tan Vuong.
However, that simple moment became surprisingly noticeable – by the short, somewhat awkward appearance of Scheffler in the ritual at Butler Cabin, and his quietness left without saying a word to Mcilroy.
One ritual, two caps
Traditionally, the champion last year will wear Green Jacket for a new winner twice: one at Butler Cabin – a separate ceremony for television with the guidance of veteran MC Jim Nantz, and one at the official outdoor awards ceremony, in the witness of a large number of Augusta National.
When Mcilroy entered the cabin to participate in the interview, he began to touch from the first minute. Sitting next to him, Scheffler, quietly holding the Green Jacket in his hand, waiting for the time to air.
Chairman Fred Ridley said:“Scottie, we are very honored if you put on a blue vest on the champion of The Masters 2025 – Rory Mcilroy.”
The two stood up, but it took a few seconds of embarrassment to put Mcilroy’s right sleeve into the right position. And then, in a snap, Scheffler took a step back and left the cabin without a greeting, without a handshake.
Explanation from RBC Heritage
Two days later, at the ceremony to honor the champion of the RBC Heritage – where Scheffler was also the championship – the story at Butler Cabin was once again mentioned.
Before the media, Scheffler frankly shared:
“It was an emotional day with Rory. I just tried to keep the level, wearing him without making anyone feel awkward,”Scheffler said, half joking half.
However, behind that silence is a deeper perspective. He admitted that he was moved to witness Mcilroy’s journey to the fullest, after many years of carrying the pressure from the expectation of Grand Slam.
“I don’t really know the feeling of being asked that ‘you can do this, but what about that?’Scheffler shared.“When I watched Rory celebrate, I felt it was more relief – more than joy.”
The moment ends a big chapter
With the victory at The Masters 2025, Mcilroy officially completed the Grand Slam collection – something that experts and fans have been waiting for more than a decade.
“Rory won the FedEx Cup, The Players and all four Major. Perhaps the only thing he left he wanted was the Olympic Medal,”Scheffler said.“I was really honored to stand next to him at that moment. Rory was a good friend, and witnessed his joy and his family really special.”
Fortunately, at the official Green Jacket ceremony, it took place not long after that, everything went smoothly – closed a emotional and meaningful The Masters. And with the current performance of both Scheffler and Mcilroy, not excluding the possibility that fans will also see them reunited in this ritual many times in the future.
