Rory McIlroy has defended Scottie Scheffler's desire to largely stay in the United States and rarely venture abroad to play golf.

Despite expressing a desire for a better work-life balance himself, McIlroy clarified that his extensive international schedule is purely a personal choice rather than a sense of obligation. McIlroy is making his 15th appearance at the Abu Dhabi Championship; meanwhile, a few of his fellow Tour stars, including Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Aberg, skipped out on the tournament due to safety concerns.

“I do it because I enjoy it,” said McIlroy. “I don't want to sit up here on my high horse and say, ambassador. I do it because I enjoy traveling.”

McIlroy was named a global ambassador for the DP World Tour in mid-October; meanwhile, he’s grown to be the face and the spokesman of the PGA Tour thanks to the rise and current downfall of LIV Golf.

“I went to India for the first time last year. I enjoy going to Australia. I love coming back to the Middle East,” continued McIlroy.

McIlroy's desires are in sharp contrast to Scheffler's, who plays the majority of his golf in the United States. Despite being the best player in the world, his reserved demeanor and limited international travel have drawn criticism from those who believe his influence could help shape the future of the game, while also making a significant economic impact on the communities he visits.

“Like I do it because I enjoy it and I want to do it, and if that means that somehow that is good for the overall game of golf, then I guess that's an added bonus,” continued McIlroy.

“But you know, people have their own decisions to make and their own lives, and like 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."

Scheffler turned 30 this year and welcomed another child to his family.

He played just one event that was co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour during the 2026 season, the Genesis Scottish Open. He missed the cut and shockingly ended his 78-tournament consecutive cuts-made streak.

“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; where I like to travel, it's all I've known. I've grown up on this tour," said McIlroy.

"I've travelled the world since I was 16. I don't know any difference. That's just what I like to do, and it's not out of any feeling of responsibility to the game or trying to be an ambassador. It's just because I enjoy doing it.”