The countdown to the 2025 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow is underway, but the real fireworks may not come from the leaderboard—they might be brewing behind the scenes.

As the 2025 PGA Championship draws near, whispers from inside Quail Hollow suggest it’s not just the Green Mile heating up—rumors of a growing rift between Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler have insiders buzzing. Sources close to the tour hint that a quiet feud has been brewing ever since Scheffler’s icy response to Rory’s comments at Augusta last month.

According to whispers floating around the practice greens and players’ lounges, there’s growing tension between two of the game’s biggest names: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. While both players are publicly professional and polished, those close to the tour say the vibes have shifted—and not in a good way.

The Spark: Augusta Fallout?

It all reportedly began at the 2025 Masters, where McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam in stunning fashion. But eagle-eyed fans noted a strangely cold handshake from Scheffler during the final round and a lack of public congratulations after Rory’s win. That absence didn’t go unnoticed.

One Tour insider said, “Rory was expecting a little more love from the top guys. When he didn’t get it from Scottie, it stung. And let’s be honest—Scottie doesn’t like being outshined.”

Since then, the two haven’t been spotted chatting during warm-ups, walking practice rounds, or even making eye contact. Could we be seeing the first signs of a cold war between golf’s cleanest cut stars?

Inside Quail Hollow: Practice Range Drama

Multiple spectators at early practice rounds this week reported subtle tension. One noted, “They were hitting balls just a few stalls apart, and neither acknowledged the other. It was like they didn’t even exist.”

Another added, “There was definitely an energy shift when Scottie walked in. Rory’s whole mood changed.”

Is it nerves before the year’s second major—or something deeper?

A caddie from another pairing, who asked to remain anonymous, suggested it’s not just ego. “There’s a lot of disagreement about how golf should be played and promoted. Rory’s been vocal about growing the game, player politics, and the LIV situation. Scottie stays quiet, but that doesn’t mean he’s on the same page.”

The LIV Golf Factor?

Let’s not forget Rory’s once fiery opposition to LIV Golf, followed by a confusing softening of his stance this year. Meanwhile, Scheffler has avoided the topic like the plague. But those close to the situation suggest Scheffler wasn’t thrilled about Rory changing his tone, especially after rallying players to stay loyal to the PGA Tour.

Could that shift have sparked some trust issues?

Could They Be Paired?

If PGA organizers want to pour gas on this slow-burning fire, they could pair the two during the early rounds. Can you imagine the tension on the tee box? Golf fans (and drama lovers) would be glued to every awkward glance, forced fist bump, or complete lack of interaction.

Let’s face it—the sport needs a rivalry, and with Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau calming down lately, Rory and Scottie may be next in line.