It is difficult to recall a time when three golfers argued for the title of world No. 1.
Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler, and Jon Rahm all sat at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking at one point in February. Now it’s the Spaniard thanks to his win at Genesis Invitational that’s looking down at everyone else.
Before the start of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club & Lodge this week, which is the third designated event in the PGA Tour’s four-week span, all three players were questioned about each other, specifically what they admire about their games.
Scheffler stated Wednesday afternoon that both men have the potential to hit many shots. Rory is a great player with his length. Both have the ability to hit the ball very high and reach pins that few other players can get to.
“I think that I admire most of their competitiveness. That’s what I see in the men who are able make it to the top many times.
McIlroy spent 122 weeks at the world No. McIlroy is currently No. 1, fourth behind Tiger Woods and Greg Norman, and Dustin Johnson. Rahm is currently in his 45th week at the top of the golf world.
The Northern Irishman is grateful for the consistency shown by both players over the past year-and-a half.
McIlroy said, “All of it.” Scottie’s attitude is what I love, His attitude is my favorite. He has a great perspective. He does things his way. He has his own style. It’s quite individual.
Rahmbo could be said the same. Rahmbo has his own moves and personality. He approaches the game slightly differently to Scottie. Both approaches work for them.
“The only thing that has been consistent between them in the past 12-18 months is their consistency. Both have been unwavering. They are relentless if it isn’t a win. These guys have been seen very rarely in the last 12-18 months, if at all, outside the top 10, top 15, and top 20. They have a relentless consistency that builds a great work portfolio, week after week, and month after month.
Like most Tour fans Rahm is obsessed with McIlroy’s ability to drive the ball. Scottie’s ability to score well on even the worst days is what he loves.
“I mean, they are both great competitors. Great, great competitors. Rory, it’s difficult to find anything new about Rory. It’s beautiful to see him firing on all cylinders when he is. He is unique in the way he hits the ball, and the way his ball flies off the tee.
“Scottie is a very good player and has the ability to score a high score. He’s been with me a lot and although it may not look the most beautiful, you still end up with 67. It’s quite remarkable.
“Both are great players and great champions. Both of them work hard at their games. This is what I would say about each of them. Rory’s driving is something we all talk about, but it’s something you can admire in person.
McIlroy and Scheffler can both win No. This week, the OWGR is at 1.
#OWGR No.1 watch:
These are the detailed scenarios for world No.1 at the @APinv this week… pic.twitter.com/lWpztOUuS3
— Nosferatu February 27, 2023
Given the performance of all three players over the past 12 month, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that this fight for the top spot will continue into the summer.
