Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic he used to win the Masters, including ignoring Bryson DeChambeau.
During the Masters final round, Rory McIlroy made headlines not just for his play, but for his silence. He didn’t exchange a single word with his playing partner, Bryson DeChambeau. What seemed strange to many — including DeChambeau himself — was actually a calculated mental strategy, as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast.
Heading into the final day, McIlroy faced the pressure of chasing his first major since 2014 and completing the career Grand Slam. Despite holding a two-shot lead, he was concerned about playing alongside DeChambeau — a fan favorite and the man who had beaten him at the U.S. Open the year before.
Bob Rotella’s advice shaped McIlroy’s approach
To prepare mentally, McIlroy consulted with renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. Though confident in his game, McIlroy was uneasy about the pairing. “I felt like it would be the hardest thing to deal with Bryson and the way we approach the game so differently,” he explained.
Rotella’s advice was clear: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no eye contact, no reactions. McIlroy was to stay in his own mental bubble, communicating only with his caddie Harry Diamond. The goal: total focus on his own performance.
Early struggles, key birdies
The plan was tested early. McIlroy lost his lead after a shaky start, while DeChambeau briefly surged. But McIlroy responded with clutch birdies just as DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. That stretch proved decisive.
Reflecting on the round, McIlroy said that once he overcame his internal doubts about DeChambeau, his focus shifted inward. “From that point on, I was only in my own way,” he said. Staying present and composed became his biggest challenge — and ultimately, his greatest strength. Though DeChambeau faded, McIlroy still had to outlast Justin Rose in a playoff, where he showed remarkable poise to seal the win.
DeChambeau later admitted he was puzzled by McIlroy’s behavior: “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
Looking back, McIlroy said he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to feel that kind of 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