Rory McIlroy's Scottie Scheffler verdict makes PGA Tour feelings crystal clear

Could off-course distractions finally be getting to Rory McIlroy?

His recent comments about world number one Scottie Scheffler after his Arnold Palmer Invitational victory might suggest so.

McIlroy, 34, was one of the bookies' favourites heading into the week at Bay Hill.

However, turbulent rounds of 73 and 76 to begin and end the week knocked him well out of contention. 

The four-time major champion eventually finished the tournament tied for 21st with three other players at 1-under.

McIlroy's frustration boiled over on several occasions throughout the week, with greens and tee boxes feeling the full effect of his anger.

He fought his way into contention in round three with a stunning back nine that featured six birdies.

All momentum was lost, though, when he imploded on Sunday with a five-over front nine, which featured three bogeys and a double bogey.

At the other end of the spectrum,  Scheffler displayed pure and utter dominance over the field on the final day, putting on a ball-striking clinic that was thankfully matched by his performance with the putter.

Scheffler has been the most dominant player on the PGA Tour from tee to green for the better part of two years, but his putting has been his Achilles heel.

Thankfully, the flat stick was playing ball this week, and Scheffler finished five shots clear of second place Wyndham Clark. 

Following McIlroy's advice, Scheffler switched putters at Bay Hill, trading out his Logan Olson blade for a TaylorMade Spider Tour X mallet.

The change had an instant effect, with the now two-time winner finishing the week fifth in strokes gained putting.

Despite his disappointing finish to the week, McIlroy was full of praise for his PGA Tour rival.

And he thinks we'd be talking about Scheffler a lot more, had it not been for the Tour's battle with LIV. 

Speaking to the media after his round on Sunday, he said:

Men's professional golf is currently in flux, with a potential merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund still on the horizon. 

Elsewhere, LIV Golf is going from strength to strength, and the best players in the world are scattered across the two rival tours. 

The fractured landscape of men's golf has been a point of contention for a number of players on both Tours and McIlroy, despite having recently softened his stance on LIV, has been permanently at the centre of the storm.

Because of everything going on outside the golf course, McIlroy hinted that he believes golf itself and the performances of players like Scheffler are being overshadowed.

Discussing the state of the men's game, he added: "I think all of what's gone on in golf has -- the play on the golf course has sort of taken a backseat to everything else, which is a shame.

"So, yeah, I'd say if we were in a different place in the world of golf, Scottie's golf would probably be getting a lot more applause and praise."

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