“Rory McIlroy is the best of our generation” - Tommy Fleetwood picks World No. 3 golfer over Scottie Scheffler while discussing the ‘top three’
Tommy Fleetwood has chosen Rory McIlroy over other top-ranked golfers while naming the "top three." The English golfer is set to tee off at this week's RBC Canadian Open, starting Thursday, May 30.
Ahead of the event, during a press conference on Wednesday (May 29), he was asked to pick the top three golfers if all players were playing at their best. Fleetwood quickly picked Rory McIlroy, calling him the "best of our generation."
However, he also appreciated Scottie Scheffler for his incredible season. Scheffler has won four events in 2024, including the Masters. Fleetwood said (via Ten Golf):
"I don't know, but I'd like to see it. I've said it a few times and I never want to speak out of turn about other players. I still believe from everything that I've experienced since I've been playing, that Rory is the best of our generation. I still believe that.
However, players do arrive, and it's hard to say anything to back against Scottie Scheffler right now. If you were a betting man I think it's very hard to bet against Scottie Scheffler the way he's playing. Who knows? It would be a great debate, and it would be great to see at any given time because it does happen really. The best players in the world and in the world rankings." [07:29]
Rory McIlroy is also slated to tee off at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. The Northern Irish golfer has been playing well so far on the PGA Tour. He has won two tournaments on the circuit, including the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and the Wells Fargo Championship.
McIlroy is the expert's favorite bet for the week to win the RBC Canadian Open. He is the top-ranked player in the field. Scottie Scheffler is not competing this week.
How did Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy play this season?
Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler both have been playing fairly well this season on the PGA Tour. The American golfer has played in 12 events in 2024 and emerged victorious in four of them. He did not miss any cuts and has not finished outside any top-25. Scheffler has 11 top-10 finishes and was the runner-up in two tournaments.
Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy played in 11 tournaments this season and has recorded two victories. He had only three top-10 finishes but did not miss any cuts. He had 9 top-25 finishes.
McIlroy started his professional career in 2007 and has won around 40 events so far. He has also won four Majors and 26 events on the PGA Tour.
Scottie Scheffler, on the other hand, turned pro in 2018 and has won 13 events so far, including 10 on the PGA Tour and two Majors.