Rory McIlroy sends clear message to critics of Scottie Scheffler over his golf schedule

Rory McIlroy believes Scottie Scheffler should be free to make his own decisions about his golfing commitments, insisting criticism of the world number one's limited schedule is unfair given his priorities away from the course.

Scheffler has dominated men's golf over the past few seasons, winning four major titles and establishing himself as the game's leading player.

However, unlike McIlroy, the American has shown little appetite for building a global playing schedule or taking on additional commitments outside his PGA Tour responsibilities.

And there is a very personal reason behind that approach.

With wife Meredith and their two young boys, Scheffler has made it clear through his playing choices that spending time with his family is a major priority.

The 30-year-old has not only largely avoided international tournaments but has also opted against participating in TGL, the indoor team golf league backed by McIlroy and Tiger Woods. 

Rather than filling his calendar with additional competitions and travel commitments, Scheffler appears content to concentrate on life on the PGA Tour before returning home to his family.

It is an approach six-time major champion McIlroy believes deserves respect rather than criticism.

Speaking during this week's Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship at Yas Links, the penultimate event of the DP World Tour season, the 37-year-old Northern Irishman was asked about the scrutiny surrounding Scheffler's limited international appearances.

McIlroy was quick to point out that players should not be expected to approach their careers in the same way.

"I think people have their own decisions to make and their own lives, and I've seen criticism of Scottie Scheffler because Scottie doesn't play – but that's his decision. If he doesn't want to, that's his prerogative," he said.

McIlroy's own schedule could hardly be more different. 

The grand slam champion regularly travels around the world, enjoying opportunities to compete in countries including India, Australia and across the Middle East.

But McIlroy insists that is simply because he enjoys travelling, rather than feeling any responsibility to act as an ambassador for golf.

"I do it because I enjoy it. I don't want to sit up here on my high horse and say, ambassador. I do it because I enjoy travelling," McIlroy explained.

McIlroy also believes Scheffler's achievements mean the American does not need to prove anything by travelling further afield.

"I think Scottie being Scottie is good enough for the world of golf, and he doesn't need to travel all over the world because he's got a young family, and that doesn't bring value to his life."

It is a particularly interesting contrast between two of the biggest names in the sport.

McIlroy has travelled the world since he was 16 and has embraced international golf throughout his career. 

Though even the World No.2 has confirmed in recent times that he intends to cut back on his playing schedule to spend more time with his wife Erica and their daughter Poppy. 

Scheffler, meanwhile, appears perfectly happy keeping his professional commitments centred around the PGA Tour and spending his remaining time with Meredith and their two young boys, Bennett and Remy.

And McIlroy sees absolutely nothing wrong with that.

McIlroy is currently focused on his own ambitions in Abu Dhabi, where he is chasing a joint-record eighth Race to Dubai title.

Having received a two-shot penalty during the opening round for improving his lie, McIlroy has bounced back into contention heading into the final round, sitting two shots behind Jon Rahm.

McIlroy and Scheffler may share a remarkable level of success, but they have very different ideas about life away from the golf course.

And while the Ulsterman will continue travelling the world in pursuit of more silverware, he believes the Texan should be afforded exactly the same freedom to decide what matters most to him.

For McIlroy, there is no obligation for the world's best golfer to follow anybody else's example – particularly when he has already achieved so much in the game.