Rory McIlroy has hailed Scottie Scheffler after the world No 1 clinched an impressive win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.
McIlroy had a round to forget at Bay Hill as his slim chances of overtaking Scheffler in the rankings quickly faded.
The Northern Irishman got his round off to a nightmare start with bogeys on the third and fourth before a double bogey on the sixth.
After further bogeys on the eighth and 11, McIlroy recovered slightly but was only able to card a four-over 76 to finish tied 26th.
Rory McIlroy has hailed Scottie Scheffler following his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
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In contrast, Scheffler was on top of his game as he finished 15 under and five shots clear of second-placed Wyndham Clark.
The 27-year-old was the only player to go bogey-free in the final round as he clinched his second win at Bay Hill.
McIlroy paid tribute to Scheffler's victory and his consistency on the course.
He said: "Anyone can pop up and win an event here or there or get on a good run, but the consistent performances that Scottie's been putting in week-in and week-out every time he tees it up, it is incredible.
"Then what he's doing this week, I mean, this is a super tough golf course and to be 6-under today going out with the lead and just sort of lapping the field is, it's super impressive."
McIlroy was not too downbeat with how he performed but says his iron play struggles were the 'same story' as recent weeks.
"Another great week off the tee. I feel like I found a good feeling with the putting as well.
"I putted well the last three days. Just the iron play's let me down. It's been the same story the last few weeks.
"I'm struggling with a left miss with the irons, and it's hard because the longer clubs, the woods, feel so good, and then the irons don't really feel that good.
"So I feel like I'm having to put like two different swings on the woods and the irons at the minute, which is a struggle.
"But everything else feels pretty good, so if I can get the irons tightened up, I feel like I'll be in a good spot."
Both Scheffler and McIlroy will stay in Florida for The Players Championship, which starts on Thursday.
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Rory McIlroy had a final round to forget at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
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Scheffler says he has worked on his attitude in an attempt to give him the best chance of winning.
He said: "I played a good round of golf. We got off to a good start and I just did my best to keep things rolling.
"I didn't look at many leaderboards today, I kind of stayed in my own little space to keep pushing.
"It was a nice one. Like I said, I am just sticking to my process.
Scottie Scheffler stormed to victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
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"Going into this week I tried to have a good attitude.
"It is truly an honour to win here and I am grateful that the Palmer family has kept the tournament going and I am looking forward to coming back here next year."
