Not everyone seems to be a fan of the FedEx Cup events. And surprisingly, Scottie Scheffler appears to be one of them. The golfer had expressed his displeasure at the ‘Starting Strokes Format’ that was employed at the PGA Tour’s season-ending finale. However, there were even those who didn’t agree with the current No. 1 golfer. Enter Rory McIlroy and another PGA Tour Pro, Billy Horschel.

“I really like this format,” said a satisfied Rory McIlroy while alluding to the PGA Tour’s season-ending finale. Interestingly, he was talking about the format of the TOUR Championship, which begins the tournament’s scorecard based on the players’ rankings in the FedEx Cup standings. As per the same, the top-ranked player tees off the event at 10-under, while the golfer at T2 does so at 8-under. It continues till it reaches the golfers between T26 and T30, five of whom are given an even par start based on their standings.

And Horschel also came forward to agree with the Northern Irishman. “I disagree with Scottie,” he said before recounting the 2024 Masters champ’s words: “Scottie said it’s silly. I don’t agree with that. I think we have a system now that – it’s never rewarded the best player throughout the regular season.”

That’s not all. McIlroy also added the reason behind him liking the format of the TOUR Championship so much. “I love this format,” said the pro, “Because if it wasn’t this format, then none of us would have a chance against Scottie because he’s so far ahead.” Curiously enough, Scheffler is currently placed at the top of the FedEx Cup standings with a mind-boggling figure of 8,532.750 points, while Xander Schauffele and the 4-time major champ are at T2 and T5 with 7,037.333 and 4,558.504 points, respectively.

The 2022 TOUR Championship winner, Rory McIlroy, also added how the format makes it all the more exciting for the fans and the golfers. But at the same time, he also didn’t forget to allude to the fairness of it all. “Is it the fairest reflection of who’s been the best player of the year?” asked the pro before responding himself, “Probably not. But I think at this point we’re not in for totally fair, we’re in for entertainment and trying to put on the best product we possibly can.” Well, Scheffler would disagree!

Scottie Scheffler fails to see eye-to-eye with Rory McIlroy

“I think it’s silly,” said the 28-year-old, “You can’t call it a season-long race and have it come down to one tournament.” Unfortunately, the previous two seasons saw Scheffler fail to clinch the TOUR Championship title despite entering the same at T1 on the FedEx Cup Standings. Although the ‘Starting Strokes Format’ aims to reward a player based on his performance throughout the season, the best golfer receiving just a two-shot advantage didn’t sit well with him.

Scheffler, meanwhile, conveyed how he doesn’t try to think too much about the results of the events he takes part in. “I try not to think too much about the results at tournaments,” added the golfer before expressing his determination for the contest, “I’m going to show up there and do my best.” Regardless, one thing is for sure: the No. 1 in the OWGR doesn’t agree with the current situation: “I don’t really consider it the season-long race like I think the way it’s called.”