Scottie Scheffler has opened up on his decision to walk away after handing Rory McIlroy his green jacket following the Briton's sensational victory at the Masters on Sunday.
McIlroy managed to beat Justin Rose via a dramatic play-off to complete the career Grand Slam, 11 years on from his last major.
Scheffler, the defending champion, then presented McIlroy with his first green jacket in the Butler Cabin at Augusta.
After doing so, however, the 28-year-old then swiftly exited the picture - with golf fans on social media left unimpressed.
Scottie Scheffler has opened up on his decision to walk away after handing Rory McIlroy his green jacket following the Briton's sensational victory at the Masters on Sunday
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One dubbed the American's antics as 'classless', while others were also quick to stick the knife into the world No 1.
Scheffler has, however, now explained himself - insisting he wanted to stay out of the way so McIlroy could get the attention he deserved.
The golfer stated: "It was such an emotional day for him. I got to watch the whole celebration.
"I kind of just tried to stay out of the way and basically just get the jacket on without embarrassing him or myself.
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"I watched the finish and it was really cool for me to be able to see because I don't have the understanding of what it's like to be asked about the career Grand Slam.
"But I have like a small understanding of what it's like to be asked like, 'Hey you've accomplished this but you haven't accomplished that'.
"And it can be very taxing on people sometimes. So it was cool to be able to see Rory get the job done."
Scheffler won the 2024 Masters, beating Ludvig Aberg to secure his second green jacket.
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Rory McIlroy in a green jacket 🟢 pic.twitter.com/08X2lGl9dC
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 13, 2025
However, he was no match for McIlroy at this year's competition - with the Northern Irishman finishing three shots ahead of his rival.
Scheffler was also asked if he'd take inspiration from his rival.
He replied by saying he was 'focused on getting the most out of myself'.
Scheffler added: "The feeling you get from winning a tournament is a pretty special.
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"For me, I wish it lasted longer than it did. It doesn't really last very long.
"Was it pretty awesome watching Rory win the Grand Slam? Of course it was.
"But as far as my life goes, I try to stay in the present. I don't think very often about career goals.
"Winning the career Grand Slam, I think that's something that any golfer would dream of, but at the end of the day, I'm just trying to get the most out of myself. That's about it."
Scottie Scheffler finished three shots behind Rory McIlroy at this year's Masters
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McIlroy is set to skip the RBC Heritage, with the world No 2 poised to return to the UK to celebrate his Masters triumph with his family.
Scheffler will play at the competition, however, with the 28-year-old aiming to secure glory for a second time after beating Sahith Theegala in 2024.
