Rory McIlroy has quashed criticism levelled at Scottie Scheffler for his lack of international appearances.Scheffler has been the dominant force in golf over the past five years, being the undisputed world number one and winning four major championships.McIlroy has come to Scheffler’s defenceGettyMcIlroy is the only player in the game who has been able to come close to Scheffler’s brilliance but the American remains the top dog, winning 22 tournaments since his maiden career victory at the 2022 WM Phoenix Open.But criticism has come his way as only one of those wins has come outside of the USA – the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush.Scheffler has become a global household name due to his ever-growing CV of victories but has come in for scrutiny at the same time.Scheffler has decided against playing a worldwide schedule, playing only one co-sanctioned PGA Tour / DP World Tour event this season at the Scottish Open, in which he missed the cut.The 30-year-old has not played competitively since winning the Tour Championship in August while McIlroy has been busy teeing it up in Ireland, England, India and the Middle East.Fans around the world would love to see more of Scheffler and his name would add an instant boost to any event.But as a staunch family man, Scheffler has decided to keep his schedule quiet during the PGA Tour off-season.McIlroy was asked about that decision and came to the defence of his great rival.He said: “I do it because I enjoy it. I don’t want to sit up here on my high horse and say, ambassador. I do it because I enjoy traveling.“I went to India for the first time last year. I enjoy going to Australia. I love coming back to the Middle East.Scheffler has not been in action since AugustGetty“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.“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.”McIlroy has wins in America, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Dubai, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Liverpool and London during his glittering career.He insists travel is just a part of his life that he enjoys and Scheffler shouldn’t feel pressure to likewise.He added: “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.“I like to travel, it’s all I’ve known, I’ve grown up on this tour.“I’ve travelled the world since I was 16. I don’t know any difference. McIlroy is a true global golferGetty“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.”McIlroy is currently in action at the Abu Dhabi Championship at Yas Links in the DP World Tour play-offs.The Grand Slam champion is eyeing a successful end to the year as he chases a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title.The 37-year-old was hit with a shock two-stroke penalty in the first round in Abu Dhabi as he was adjudged to be improving his lie.McIlroy has hit back on Friday to jump up the leaderboard and put himself in a good position heading into the weekend.