In professional golf, equipment changes can spark big conversations—especially when they lead to dominant performances. A hot topic in the 2024 PGA Tour season has been whether Rory McIlroy influenced Scottie Scheffler’s decision to switch to a mallet putter. With Scheffler’s winning streak making headlines, some speculated that McIlroy’s public advice spurred the change.
But according to Scheffler, that’s not the case.
McIlroy’s Comment: The Genesis Invitational Moment
At the Genesis Invitational in February 2024, Rory McIlroy told the media:
“I’d love to see Scottie try a mallet. With how good he hits it, he’d hole more putts.”
This comment came as Scheffler was struggling with his putting stats. Weeks later, he debuted a TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet putter at the Arnold Palmer Invitational—fueling the narrative that McIlroy’s suggestion played a role.
Scheffler Responds on Podcast: “It Was My Decision”
Speaking on the Pardon My Take podcast in April 2024, Scheffler denied being influenced by McIlroy:
“It’s something I’d thought about… but don’t let the truth get in the way of a good story, right?”
He credited his coach, Phil Kenyon, for helping him make the change, emphasizing that it was a calculated decision, not a reactive one.
Why Scheffler Switched to a Mallet Putter
Scheffler upgraded from a blade-style putter to a TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet. Here’s why the change worked:
-
Higher MOI: Offers more forgiveness on off-center hits
-
Improved alignment: Helps with short-putt accuracy
-
Greater stability: More consistent strokes under pressure
This move aligns with trends across the PGA Tour, where many players are opting for mallet putters to gain consistency.
The Results: A Season for the Record Books
Since switching putters, Scottie Scheffler has dominated 2024:
-
Masters Champion
-
Arnold Palmer Invitational Winner
-
Tour Championship Winner
-
Olympic Gold Medalist (Paris 2024)
He also became the first player to surpass $40 million in a single PGA Tour season.
Why It Matters: Tour Pros Make Independent Decisions
Even though players like McIlroy often share insights, professionals like Scheffler base equipment decisions on:
-
Data analysis
-
Coach recommendations
-
Personal feel and comfort
This independence is key to long-term success on tour.
Final Thoughts: Coincidence or Influence?
Rory McIlroy may have voiced what many were thinking, but Scottie Scheffler insists his choice was self-driven. No matter the backstory, the results speak for themselves—Scheffler made the switch, and he made the putts.