Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic he used to stay focused and win the Masters against Bryson DeChambeau.
During the final round of the Masters, many noticed Rory McIlroy’s complete lack of interaction with his playing partner, Bryson DeChambeau. No words, no eye contact—just silence. What puzzled fans and even DeChambeau himself turned out to be a deliberate mental strategy, as McIlroy revealed in a recent podcast.
Heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, McIlroy faced immense pressure. Not only was he chasing his first major title since 2014, but also the elusive career Grand Slam. Complicating matters was the fact that DeChambeau had beaten him at the US Open the year before and was a fan favorite.
Advice from Bob Rotella proved crucial
To prepare mentally, McIlroy consulted renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the dynamic with DeChambeau and the crowd support he would receive. “I felt it would be the hardest thing to deal with Bryson and the way we approach the game so differently,” McIlroy said.
Rotella’s advice was clear: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay in his own world, focusing solely on his caddie Harry Diamond and his own performance. The goal was to create a mental tunnel, shutting out all distractions.
Early struggles and key birdies
The strategy was tested early. McIlroy lost his lead and briefly fell behind. But during that critical stretch, he regained control with clutch birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. McIlroy later said that phase was likely the turning point. Once he managed to suppress his concerns about DeChambeau, his focus shifted inward. “From that point on, I was only in my own way,” he recalled. The biggest challenge was staying present and composed. His toughest opponent that day, he admitted, was himself.
Although DeChambeau didn’t win, McIlroy still had to hold his nerve in a playoff against Justin Rose, which he did with remarkable poise. DeChambeau, meanwhile, was visibly confused by McIlroy’s behavior, commenting, “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
Looking back, McIlroy says he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to experience that feeling on the course 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/E8Lt5yHLh