Adam Scott has suggested that he would disagree with Rory McIlroy’s claim that he is not an intimidating player to play alongside.
The Northern Irishman has given himself a phenomenal chance of retaining his Masters crown this week, having opened up a six-shot lead at the halfway stage.
It was the largest advantage that any player has ever had after two rounds at Augusta National. It appears that McIlroy has indeed been freed up by ending his wait to win the Career Grand Slam.
Adam Scott disagrees with Rory McIlroy’s comments
Of course, Rory McIlroy playing with freedom is a frightening prospect. There has arguably not been a more naturally talented player since Tiger Woods was at the peak of his powers.
But McIlroy suggested after his second round that he does not feel that he intimidates his playing partners.
Those comments were put to Adam Scott following his third round. He admitted that he has a different view to the five-time major champion.
“Yeah, I think he underestimates himself a little bit there. You know, there aren’t many players that would stand on a tee box and be able to go toe-to-toe with him. You know, when he gets up there and pounds one 340 down the first, there’s only really a handful of guys,” he said.
“Then they start dwindling out when you start going to irons and putting the whole game together as well. He’s the complete package really.”
Scott suggests a difference between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods
McIlroy would move level with the likes of Phil Mickelson, Sir Nick Faldo, and Lee Trevino with a victory this week. Of course, he is the only member of the quartet to have completed the Career Grand Slam.
Only Tiger Woods in the modern era would have won more majors than the 36-year-old. Many will be wondering if McIlroy could go on and become only the fourth man to reach double figures for major victories.
Scott was asked about the impact of seeing the leaderboard when McIlroy’s name is at the top, and he went on to explain the difference between the current world number two and the 15-time major champion.
“Well, I think you know you you’ve got your hands full. His record is pretty spectacular. I think the big thing was after a while with Tiger, you know, his closing percentage was just so big. He just didn’t let anyone get past him when he had the lead, and that’s a little different today,” he said.
“But, you know, if you just stand there and watch guys hit the golf ball, then Rory has got it on a lot of people.
“He’s incredibly exciting to watch. Maybe not as much as a showman as Tiger was in his day, but both very exciting golfers to watch play.”
McIlroy seems to have got himself back on track after spending much of 2025 searching for his new purpose.
The first two days at Augusta National suggest that his Masters victory 12 months ago has simply removed the shackles of pressure.
McIlroy getting to play his natural game much more often could even lead to this portion of his career being the most successful yet.
