Brandel Chamblee has voiced his thoughts about Scottie Scheffler ahead of the PGA Championship
Brandel Chamblee has declared that Rory McIlroy would be unable to defeat Scottie Scheffler at his best. Two of golf ’s top stars are expected to be among the leading contenders at the PGA Championship.
McIlroy claimed the first major of the year in April as he successfully defended his Masters title. The 37-year-old became only the fourth player in history to retain his crown at Augusta, finishing one stroke ahead of Scheffler.
World No.1 Scheffler will be chasing his fifth major victory at the PGA Championship, which gets underway on Thursday. The American heads to Aronimink as reigning champion after winning last year’s event by five strokes.
While there is debate over which of the pair is better, Chamblee was quick to share his thoughts. The 63-year-old pundit unequivocally stated that McIlroy would stand little chance against an in-form Scheffler.
“If Scottie plays well this week, Rory can’t beat him,” Chamblee said. “Scottie is so demonstrably better than anybody else.
“It’s just not close. If Scottie plays his best golf, Rory cannot beat him. If Scottie plays his best golf.”
However, not every golf fan agreed with Chamblee’s assessment. Responding to the clip, many social media users were keen to defend McIlroy’s chances of winning against Scheffler if both were at the peak of their powers.
One fan responded on X: “No not at all Rory blew everyone away in 2 days last major if Rory has his best game he wins by 5.” A second wrote: “Awful take. Rory is one of the most naturally gifted players of all time. IF playing his best, he mops the floor with the entire field.”
A third added: “Rory wins for sure..Scottie incredible but his strength is his consistency. Rory wins majors without his A game.” A fourth fan declared: “If Rory plays his best NO ONE can beat him.”
However, there was a section of fans who agreed with Chamblee’s verdict, with one social media user posting: “Scottie is worth ten Rorys.” A second argued: “Right now, if Scottie is on, no one can beat him!!!! He is the best in the world right now!!!”
Meanwhile, others offered a more balanced view. One social media account wrote: “No, would say they are evenly matched in overall play and that Rory has more “genius” in him.”
“If Scottie plays his best golf, Rory CANNOT beat him.”
Do you agree with Chamblee? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/LdRW3duwfR
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) May 13, 2026
Another said of Chamblee’s comment: “No. That statement is quite ridiculous, to be honest. If all the top players are firing on all cylinders over the four days, it will come down to ultra-fine margins. A bit of luck at vital moments could make the difference.”
McIlroy is seeking to win the PGA Championship for a third time, having triumphed in 2012 and 2014. He finished joint-19th at the Truist Championship in his last outing.
