Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic he used to secure his long-awaited Masters win.
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 was actually a deliberate mental strategy, as McIlroy recently revealed on a 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. Compounding the challenge was the fact that he was paired with DeChambeau, a fan favorite who had defeated him at the previous year’s U.S. Open.
Bob Rotella’s advice shaped McIlroy’s approach
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 explained.
Rotella’s advice was clear: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to enter a mental tunnel, focusing solely on his caddie Harry Diamond and his own performance.
Early struggles, key birdies
The plan was tested early. McIlroy lost his lead and briefly fell behind. But in that critical stretch, he regained control with clutch birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys on the same holes.
McIlroy now believes that stretch was decisive. He said he couldn’t understand some of DeChambeau’s decisions, but once he managed to control his own doubts, his focus sharpened. “From that point on, I was only in my own way,” he reflected. The biggest challenge was staying present and composed. Though DeChambeau faded, McIlroy still had to hold his nerve in a playoff against Justin Rose—and he did so brilliantly.
DeChambeau later commented on McIlroy’s silence, saying, “He didn’t even talk to me today.”
Looking back, McIlroy says he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to feel that same intensity again someday—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