Aug 28, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy watches his tee shot on the 2nd hole during the final round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament. Adam Hagy-USA TODAY Sports

Rory McIlroy apologizes to Scottie Scheffler's family after winning Tour Championship

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 8/29/22

Even at the end of a tumultuous season, Rory McIlroy reminded everyone he is still one of the classiest guys on the PGA Tour.

The Irishman could have gloated after rallying from a six-shot deficit to overtake Scottie Scheffler for the lead at the Tour Championship in Atlanta this weekend. Instead, he tempered his celebrations as he approached Scheffler's family on the sidelines to "apologize" for beating their son and to acknowledge Scheffler's stellar season.

All class.@McIlroyRory apologized to Scottie Scheffler's family after his victory @PlayoffFinale. pic.twitter.com/gJwd05iskF
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 28, 2022

Scheffler, the world No. 1 and favorite to win the season finale, had a strong lead heading into the final round on Sunday but lost his groove and only birdied one hole for the rest of the day. Despite losing the lead in the final round, the 2022 Masters Champion ended a very successful campaign having set records for earnings on the PGA Tour.

"Playing professional golf for a living is such a gift," Scheffler said, via Golfweek." For me, I don’t play golf for money. I play to win tournaments, and I play to have fun and do my best and see where the game can take me."

Always humble.

Scottie Scheffler puts things into perspective. pic.twitter.com/4Nsh5Qx7Wx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 28, 2022

McIlroy and Scheffler won't have long to dwell on this weekend's event, however. The 2022-23 PGA Tour season kicks off next month, marking the final wraparound season before the Tour returns to playing through just one calendar year in 2024.

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