Rory McIlroy Shares Unique Christmas Gift, Fears Scottie Scheffler’s Signature

Rory McIlroy recently unveiled a remarkable Christmas gift from his caddie, Harry Diamond, while also expressing light-hearted concerns that fellow golfer Scottie Scheffler might soon tarnish its value. The gift, a framed scorecard from Augusta National Golf Club, features the signatures of golfing legends and symbolizes McIlroy’s monumental achievement of completing the career Grand Slam.

In April 2023, McIlroy, 36, triumphed at the Masters, overcoming a tense playoff against Justin Rose to secure his long-awaited green jacket. This victory solidified McIlroy’s status as one of the all-time greats in golf, making him only the sixth male player to win all four major championships. He joined an elite group that includes golfing icons such as Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.

Reflecting on his accomplishment during an appearance on The Shotgun Start podcast, McIlroy revealed the significance of the gift he received earlier this month while participating in the Australian Open. He described how Diamond surprised him with a special framed piece that included the scorecard adorned with five prominent signatures. The top three belonged to Nicklaus, Player, and Woods, while the other two signatures were from Hogan and Sarazen, both of whom have passed away.

“This is the first time anyone has really seen it,” McIlroy noted as he displayed the unique item. The reaction from his podcast colleagues was one of awe, recognizing the scorecard as a priceless piece of sporting memorabilia. Diamond, who typically earns a percentage of McIlroy’s earnings—approximately five to ten percent of his total on-course prize money, which was around $32 million in 2025—thoughtfully arranged this memorable gift.

During the podcast, McIlroy recalled Diamond’s approach, explaining, “He brought me this with a Sharpie and said, ‘Do you want to sign it?’ I said, ‘Absolutely not.’” The golfer’s reluctance to add his name to the card underscores its significance. He humorously added, “I hope I don’t have to get Scottie to sign it next year,” referring to Scheffler’s potential to join the ranks of major winners soon.

Golf enthusiasts celebrated McIlroy’s unique gift on social media, with fans expressing their admiration. Comments ranged from “That’s awesome” to “What a gift,” highlighting the community’s appreciation for this special moment.

As McIlroy prepares for the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, he is favored to win the public vote. His stellar performance following the Masters, which included a key role in helping Europe secure victory at the Ryder Cup in New York, has further solidified his legacy in the sport.

With the holiday season wrapped in memorable moments, McIlroy’s heartfelt appreciation for his caddie’s thoughtful gift and his humorous take on the possibility of Scheffler’s signature serves as a reminder of the camaraderie and light-hearted spirit that thrives in the world of golf.