Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler know what they each think ahead of Ryder Cup duel

The 2025 Ryder Cup concludes on singles Sunday and one epic showdown stands out above the rest: Rory McIlroy vs Scottie Scheffler. Team Europe hold a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead heading into the final day, with the defending champions on the brink of retaining the trophy against Team USA, potentially marking the first successful defence of the Ryder Cup since 2014.

But even with victory almost in sight, the face-off between the world's top two golfers - No. 1 Scheffler and No. 2 McIlroy - is expected to provide some serious sparks, especially after a series of fiery incidents involving players and spectators from both sides.

It's the match-up that fans have been eagerly anticipating since the teams were revealed. Scheffler, the faultless Texan, enters with a Ryder Cup record reminiscent of Tiger Woods - both struggling to convert solo success into team triumph.

Meanwhile, McIlroy, the resilient Northern Irishman, is leading Europe's charge for a 16th win, following a string of impressive and unbeaten performances in the opening sessions.

With the partisan crowd fueling the atmosphere with fire and energy, the stage is set for a fast-paced, high-octane contest. Having said that, McIlroy has repeatedly voiced his respect for Scheffler in the past - and there's little reason to believe that those feelings will change now.

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In April, ahead of the Masters, where McIlroyfinally clinched the green jacket to complete a career Grand Slam, the 36-year-old opened up about Scheffler. "I think what Scottie's done the last couple years in golf is amazing... he's great for the game," he said.

He didn't stop there, heaping praise on Scheffler's remarkable 2024 campaign: "What he did last year, I don't think it gets talked about enough. His season last year is up there with one of the all-time great seasons in the history of the game.

"He's an amazing player, he's a great person as well, and he's got a great family. It's good to see him doing - like, it's good for the game, and it's nice to see nice people succeed. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Scottie."

Those comments weren't just courtesy; they acknowledged the 29-year-old sensation's recent dominance on the PGA Tour, where he's secured 13 victories in the past year-and-a-half, including major wins at the Masters, the PGA Championship and The Open Championship.

Scheffler has been equally gracious about McIlroy, admitting: "He's got significantly more tournament wins than I do; he has more major wins.

"I guess up until last week, I had technically more Players wins. I think when you're a great player like that, you're always looking for sources of motivation, especially as you get a bit older."

Heading into Sunday, Europe's advantage seems unassailable, with the likes of McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm and the rest of captain Luke Donald's team needing just three points from 12 to clinch victory.

For Team USA, victory feels like a bridge too far. But with the likes of Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau and J.J. Spaun on the roster, anything could happen.