Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental strategy he used to secure his Masters victory—complete silence towards DeChambeau.
During the final round of the Masters, many noticed Rory McIlroy’s cold shoulder toward his playing partner, Bryson DeChambeau. No words, no eye contact, no interaction. What seemed odd at the time—even to DeChambeau—was actually a calculated mental tactic, as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast.
Heading into the final round, McIlroy faced a daunting challenge: playing against a fan favorite who had beaten him at the previous year’s U.S. Open. Despite holding a two-shot lead, the pressure was immense. A win would mark his first Major since 2014 and complete the elusive career Grand Slam.
Bob Rotella’s advice shaped McIlroy’s approach
Before teeing off, McIlroy consulted renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, he was concerned about the dynamics of the pairing. He knew DeChambeau’s popularity and contrasting playing style could be distracting. “I felt it would be the toughest challenge to deal with Bryson and the way we approach the game so differently,” McIlroy said.
Rotella’s advice was clear: shut DeChambeau out. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay entirely in his own mental space, communicating only with his caddie, Harry Diamond. The goal was tunnel vision—focus solely on his own performance.
Early struggles, pivotal birdies
The plan was tested early. McIlroy stumbled out of the gate, losing his lead and briefly falling behind. But in that critical stretch, he turned things around with key birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys on the same holes.
Looking back, McIlroy believes that stretch was decisive. He couldn’t understand some of DeChambeau’s decisions, but once he managed to control his own doubts, his focus shifted. “From that point on, I was the only one in my way,” he recalled. The biggest challenge, he said, was staying present and composed. His toughest opponent that day? Himself.
Though DeChambeau didn’t prevail, McIlroy still had to outlast Justin Rose in a playoff, where he showcased remarkable mental resilience to claim the Green Jacket.
DeChambeau, for his part, was visibly puzzled by McIlroy’s behavior: “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
Reflecting on that day, McIlroy says he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to feel that same intensity again—because it means he’s once more playing for something truly meaningful.
Perseverance personified.
Wearing his Green Jacket, Rory McIlroy reflected on his journey to becoming a Masters champion. #themasters