Rory McIlroy’s Cold Shoulder Toward DeChambeau During Masters Final Round Explained

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau did not exchange too many words during their final round pairing at The Masters on Sunday, a proverbial rematch between the two from the U.S. Open last year.

In a post-round presser on Sunday, DeChambeau, who finished tied for fifth, revealed to the media that McIlroy “didn’t talk to me once” during their final round pairing. He said the Northern Irishman, who completed the Career Grand Slam at Augusta on Sunday, was dialed in and focused:

“He was just like ‘eh.’ Just being focused, I guess. That’s not me, though.”

(Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

While it seemed like Bryson was slightly bothered by McIlroy’s gesture, it was not anything that was accidental. It was on purpose and by design, according to Rory’s sports psychologist Bob Rotella.

Many believed McIlroy had a vendetta against DeChambeau from the U.S. Open defeat, but the two have played in exhibition settings since, including one on TNT that pegged PGA TOUR players against LIV Golfers. McIlroy was paired with Scottie Scheffler, DeChambeau with former-rival-turned-friend Brooks Koepka.

However, it was nothing personal. It was all business. McIlroy knew that this could have quite possibly been the best shot he had at a Green Jacket, and although he’s been on a dominating stretch so far this year, playing his best golf at the age of 35, chances at Augusta come few and far between.

Rotella said (via ESPN):

“That didn’t have anything to do with Bryson. That was just the game plan all week, and we wanted to get lost in it. We didn’t want to pay attention to what anyone else was scoring, or shooting, or swinging or how far they were hitting it. We just wanted Rory to play his game. The point is, if you believe you’re going to win, just play your game and assume that if you do that anywhere near the way you’re capable of, then you will end up No. 1.”

McIlroy’s focus on his game saw him pull off some of the more memorable shots in Masters history. We can all think of some memorable shots from Augusta: Phil Mickelson on 13 from the pine straw in 2010, Bubba Watson’s hook wedge on 10 in the playoff in 2012, Scottie Scheffler’s chip-in on 3 in 2022. All led to victories. 

McIlroy had to do it several times.

The shot into the 15th green was easily his Masters Moment. His focus and dedication to performing this task came from being zoned in and focusing on nothing else.

It led to his moment of triumph.

Cover Image via Golf Digest