Brandel Chamblee has controversially declared that Rory McIlroy would be incapable of overcoming Scottie Scheffler at his best. Two of golf's star talents are expected to be among the frontrunners at the PGA Championship.

McIlroy secured the opening major of the year in April as he successfully retained his Masters crown. The 37-year-old became just the fourth player in history to defend his title at Augusta, finishing one stroke clear of Scheffler. World No.1 Scheffler will be pursuing his fifth major victory when the PGA Championship gets underway on Thursday. The American arrives at Aronimink as defending champion following last year's commanding five-stroke victory. While there is discussion over which of the duo is better, Chamblee believed the answer was clear. The 63-year-old analyst insisted that McIlroy would have little chance of winning if Scheffler is in prime form.

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"If Scottie plays well this week, Rory can't beat him," Chamblee said. "Scottie is so demonstrably better than anybody else. It's just not close. If Scottie plays his best golf, Rory cannot beat him. If Scottie plays his best golf."

Chamblee's comments surprised the broadcast studio, with fellow pundit Paul McGinley offering a different view. "I wouldn't like to put a bet on it, put it that way," McGinley said.

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Golf fans on X also disagreed with Chamblee's summary. Reacting to the footage, numerous social media users were eager to counter the pundit and champion McIlroy's chances of prevailing against Scheffler if both were performing at their best.

One fan responded: "No not at all Rory blew everyone away in 2 days last major if Rory has his best game he wins by 5." A second wrote: "Awful take. Rory is one of the most naturally gifted players of all time. IF playing his best, he mops the floor with the entire field."

A third added: "Rory wins for sure..Scottie incredible but his strength is his consistency. Rory wins majors without his A game." A fourth fan declared: "If Rory plays his best NO ONE can beat him."

However, some supporters sided with Chamblee, with one social media user posting: "Scottie is worth ten Rorys." A second argued: "Right now, if Scottie is on, no one can beat him!!!! He is the best in the world right now!!!"

Meanwhile, others took a more measured stance, while still disagreeing with Chamblee. One social media account wrote: "No, would say they are evenly matched in overall play and that Rory has more "genius" in him."

Another said of Chamblee's verdict: "No. That statement is quite ridiculous, to be honest. If all the top players are firing on all cylinders over the four days, it will come down to ultra-fine margins. A bit of luck at vital moments could make the difference."

McIlroy is aiming to claim the PGA Championship for a third time, having previously triumphed in 2012 and 2014. He ended his most recent appearance at the Truist Championship in joint-19th place.