Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic he used to secure his long-awaited Masters win.
During the final round of the Masters, Rory McIlroy made headlines not just for his performance, but for his complete lack of interaction with playing partner Bryson DeChambeau. No words, no eye contact—just focus. What seemed odd at the time, even to DeChambeau himself, was actually part of a deliberate mental strategy, as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast.
Advice from Bob Rotella shaped McIlroy’s approach
Heading into the final round, McIlroy faced a unique challenge: playing against a fan favorite who had bested him at the previous year’s U.S. Open. Despite holding a two-shot lead, the pressure was immense. A Masters win would not only end his major drought since 2014 but also complete the career Grand Slam.
To prepare, McIlroy consulted renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the crowd’s support for DeChambeau and their contrasting playing styles. Rotella’s advice was clear: block out DeChambeau entirely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay locked in with his caddie Harry Diamond and focus solely on his own game—a mental tunnel vision aimed at victory.
Early struggles and key birdies
The plan was tested early. McIlroy stumbled out of the gate, losing his lead and temporarily falling behind. But in the heat of the moment, he turned things around. Crucial birdies helped him regain control, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys on the same holes.
Looking back, McIlroy believes that stretch was pivotal. He admitted he couldn’t understand some of DeChambeau’s decisions, but once he managed to silence those thoughts, his focus sharpened. “From that point on, the only thing in my way was myself,” McIlroy said. Staying present and composed became his biggest challenge—and ultimately, his greatest triumph. Though DeChambeau faded, McIlroy still had to outlast Justin Rose in a playoff, which he did with impressive composure.
DeChambeau later commented on McIlroy’s silence, saying, “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
McIlroy has no regrets about his approach. In fact, he hopes to experience that level of intensity again—because it means he’s competing 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