It was a case of history repeating itself following the Ryder Cup in September as Scottie Scheffler faced off with Rory McIlroy in a three-hole match on YouTube.
Scheffler and McIlroy were the two best players in 2025, with the pair winning three of the four majors between them.
With that, it is always fascinating to see what happens whenever they face off, even in a three-hole match away from the spotlight of a tournament.
Much like Bethpage, it was Scheffler who secured the bragging rights.3
Scottie Scheffler emerges victorious in match with Rory McIlroy
Both Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy use TaylorMade clubs. So the manufacturer was able to set up a match between the pair.
Clearly, the pair were incredibly relaxed. There was a brilliant moment early in the video when Scheffler’s driving led to McIlroy’s bag falling off the cart.
The pair both made birdies on the par five opening hole. They both found the green with their approach shots, with Scheffler slightly further away having not realised that the pin had moved from its previous position at the front.
The world number one made the decisive birdie on the second hole. They both took nine iron into the par three, with Scheffler going on to make an impressive left to right putt.
And when McIlroy failed to make a three on the following hole, it was confirmed that Scheffler had won by one shot.
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Had golf fans been told before the Ryder Cup that McIlroy and Scheffler would face off on Sunday, they would have anticipated a phenomenal battle that could have a huge say on which team would leave New York with the trophy.
Ultimately, it proved to be something of a pillow fight. Both players were clearly exhausted having previously played in all four sessions before the final day.
Scheffler would go on to narrowly win, but conceded that neither player was anywhere near their best in the singles.
“Yeah, just to keep fighting. Battled really hard yesterday and the first day. Things just did not work out the way I anticipated, but I was proud to be able to get a point today,” he said.
“It’s tough; playing all five matches is a grind. Rory and I even chatted about that a little bit today. It was a grind, and I’m pretty tired, but I’m proud of the fight that our team showed.”
We are yet to have a real showdown between the pair this season. But both look to be searching for their best form right now.
That could set up an incredibly exciting major championship season if they manage to peak at the perfect time.