Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic that helped him claim the Green Jacket at the Masters.
During the final round of the Masters, Rory McIlroy noticeably avoided any interaction with his playing partner Bryson DeChambeau. No words, no eye contact—an approach that puzzled many, including DeChambeau himself. As McIlroy later revealed on a podcast, this behavior was part of a deliberate mental strategy.
Heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, McIlroy faced immense pressure. Not only was a major title on the line—his first since 2014—but also the elusive career Grand Slam. Complicating matters was the fact that he was paired with DeChambeau, a fan favorite who had bested him at the previous year’s U.S. Open.
Bob Rotella’s advice shaped McIlroy’s approach
In search of clarity, McIlroy turned to renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the dynamics of playing alongside DeChambeau, whose style and crowd support contrasted sharply with his own. Rotella’s advice was simple but bold: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay locked in with his caddie Harry Diamond and focus solely on his own performance.
Early struggles, key birdies
The strategy was tested early. McIlroy stumbled at the start, losing his lead and briefly falling behind. But in a pivotal stretch, he regained control with clutch birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. McIlroy later reflected that this was the turning point. Once he managed to suppress his concerns about DeChambeau, his mindset shifted: “From that point on, I was only in my own way,” he said. Staying present and composed became his greatest challenge—and ultimately, his greatest triumph.
Although DeChambeau didn’t prevail, McIlroy still had to hold off Justin Rose in a playoff, where he showcased remarkable composure to seal the win. DeChambeau, meanwhile, was visibly confused by McIlroy’s silence, commenting after the round, “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
Looking back, McIlroy said he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to experience that same intensity again—because it means he’s playing for something truly meaningful.
Perseverance personified.
Wearing his Green Jacket, Rory McIlroy reflected on his journey to becoming a Masters champion. #themasters pic.twitter.com/E8Lt5yHLhV