TWO-TIME Major Xander Schauffele feared Rory McIlroy could become “scary” after winning the Masters.
But that prediction has yet to materialise as the Holywood ace has endured an inconsistent time on the course since his historic feet.
The Northern Irishman finally completed the career Grand Slam in April with a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose.
The triumph ended an 11-year wait for a fifth major title. Many thought it would spark a dominant run for McIlroy.
Schauffele, speaking after the win, hailed the achievement and admitted: “Anything to get eyeballs on our game is a good thing.
“And him winning the Masters, a generational talent to do what he did, is obviously an incredible achievement.
“Again, scary for guys like us. If that was something that was holding him back, and now he feels free, that could be a pretty scary thing.”
The world number three was then asked if McIlroy would now add more majors to his huge cabinet.
He said:“Yeah, I don’t see why he wouldn’t.
“He has all the tools, I think, when I look at his game and what he can do. Would I be surprised if he started rattling some off?
“No. Am I going to be there to try and stop him? Absolutely.”
But the momentum hasn’t carried over as McIlroy was never in contention at the PGA Championship.
He finished three-over par and a full 14 shots behind winner Scottie Scheffler.
At the U.S. Open, he was again off the pace, he endured a disappointing final round at Oakmont after barely making the cut had declined to give interviews earlier in the major week.
But the Down ace has the Open Championship firmly on his radar as he’ll attempt to bag a sixth major on home soil at Royal Portrush next month.
