Scottie Scheffler’s manager Blake Smith mocked Rory McIlroy immediately after the World No.1 won The Open for the first time in his career at Royal Portrush on Sunday.
According to Golf Digest’s Jamie Kennedy, Scheffler‘s manager Blake, son of his long-time golf coach Randy Smith, couldn’t help but fire a cheap shot at McIlroy straight after his press conference at The Open.
Scheffler, 29, saw out a commanding four-shot victory at golf’s final major of the season at Royal Portrush.
It marked Scheffler’s fourth victory of the PGA Tour season and his fourth career major title, moving him one leg away from the career grand slam in the process.
Scheffler also becomes the fourth player to win The Masters, PGA and The Open all before the age of 30, joining Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player in the record books.
Scottie Scheffler
Smith, who works at Hambric Sports where he has also represented the likes of five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, told Scheffler that he has now completed his own grand slam of all four majors.
Only it was his parting comment that was clearly a dig at McIlroy, who chose to decline all interviews when two members of the media leaked information that his driver had been deemed ‘non-conforming’ ahead of the PGA Championship in May.
McIlroy, who completed the career grand slam at The Masters in April, eventually addressed his media blackout when he spoke to reporters at the RBC Canadian Open in June.
As Smith clasped hands on the famous Claret Jug, he was heard saying: “That’s a good one, that’s a good one.”
Scheffler then turned to Smith and said: “Does that complete your four?”
Blake replied: “Yeah, I’m done… I won’t talk to the media for a month now,” which drew World No.1 Scheffler to laughter.
Did Scottie’s manager take a sly shot at Rory after his press conference?
Scottie (handing his manager the trophy): “Does that complete your four?”
Manager: “Yeah, I’m done. I won’t talk to the media for a month now!” pic.twitter.com/92yP56wwQE
— Jamie Kennedy (@jamierkennedy) July 21, 2025
Scheffler is not expected to return to action again until locking horns with McIlroy in the first of three FedEx Cup Playoffs events at the FedEx St Jude Championship in three weeks.
As it stands with four victories to his name this season, Scheffler looks on from the top of the standings with McIlroy, who has won three times including The Masters, in second.
Scheffler will have a chance to join McIlroy in the career grand slam club at the 2026 US Open at Shinnecock Hills in June 2026.
The final round of the US Open next year will also fall on Scheffler’s 30th birthday, just to add to the possible spectacle.
Only six players in the modern era have achieved golf immortality – McIlroy, Woods, Nicklaus, Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.