Scottie Scheffler says having first-hand experience of Rory McIlroy's success at the Masters will serve as an inspiration for the PGA Championship.

McIlroy secured the career Grand Slam by beating Justin Rose on the first play-off hole at Augusta National, ending an 11-year wait for another major crown in doing so.

World number one Scheffler handed over the historic Green Jacket to the Northern Irishman, who will be among the favourites when they tee off together on Thursday at Quail Hollow Club.

McIlroy had previously said that he drew inspiration from Scheffler's dominance, most notably a nine-win season in 2024, and the American admitted he holds his fellow competitor in a similar respect.

"It was really cool to see Rory be able to finish that off and to be there for that moment," Scheffler said. "He’s a good buddy of mine out here, so I was very happy for him.

"That tournament and having to answer each year, for a guy that’s had one of the best careers in the history of the game, for him to sit in here week in, week out and have to be asked about one single golf tournament, I’m sure can be a bit frustrating.

"And I’m sure that’s why there was so much emotion coming out of him. It takes a lifetime of work to be able to even have a chance to win major championships, let alone win all four of them."

In the heart of Texas

All-access with Scottie Scheffler after his hometown win @CJByronNelson pic.twitter.com/ovdE5dkzWD

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 5, 2025

Scheffler heads into the second major of 2025 in fine form, having recorded an eight-shot victory at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, as he shot an astonishing 31 under in Texas in his last event.

He matched the PGA Tour's 72-hole scoring record, finishing at 253 for the tournament, and will fancy his chances of doubling down when play starts on Thursday.

Playing alongside him will be McIlroy and the defending champion Xander Schauffele, though that will only further inspire Scheffler to bring his best game.

"It's always motivating when you just get beat, and in golf you tend to get beat a lot," Scheffler said. "You don’t really get to win that many tournaments.

"Rory has been off to a great start this year, and he’s definitely improved and made some changes in his game from last year."

"Golf is kind of an endless pursuit of getting the best out of yourself, and I’m looking forward to continuing to do that as the year goes on."

A demanding Quail Hollow will require power and precision.@Titleist | @PGAChampionship pic.twitter.com/L474lHUUn6

— PGA Championship (@PGAChampionship) May 14, 2025

History may favour Scheffler or Schauffele, with the last nine winners of the PGA Championship all being American.

That is the longest reign of dominance by one nationality at any major since players from the United States won 12 consecutive editions of the U.S. Open from 1982 to 1993.

Scheffler also has 13 top-10 finishes in his last 19 major tournament appearances (68%), more than any other golfer since 2020.

That tally includes four top-10s in the last five stagings of the PGA Championship, and Scheffler hopes to ride the momentum from the CJ Cup triumph to start strong on Thursday.

"I’m showing up coming off of a tournament that I won, and that’s always a good feeling," Scheffler said.

"You can definitely ride some of that momentum. When I look back at my career, it would be silly to say that I don’t ride some of the momentum from those wins."