Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental strategy he used to win the Masters, including ignoring 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—nothing. What seemed odd at the time, even to DeChambeau himself, was actually a deliberate mental tactic, as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast.
Heading into the final round, McIlroy faced a daunting challenge: playing alongside 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 mean his first Major since 2014 and the completion of the career Grand Slam.
Advice from Bob Rotella proved decisive
Before the final showdown, McIlroy consulted with renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the pairing. He knew the crowd would be heavily behind DeChambeau and that their playing styles were vastly different. “I felt it would be toughest to deal with Bryson and the contrast in how we approach the game,” 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 himself and his caddie, Harry Diamond. The goal: stay locked in and ignore all external distractions.
Rough start, crucial birdies
The plan was tested early. McIlroy stumbled out of the gate, losing his lead and briefly falling behind. But in a pivotal stretch, he turned things around with key birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys on the same holes.
Looking back, McIlroy believes that stretch was the turning point. He admitted he couldn’t understand some of DeChambeau’s decisions, but once he managed to control his own reactions, his focus sharpened. “From then on, I was the only thing in my way,” he said. The biggest challenge was staying present and composed. Though DeChambeau faded, McIlroy still had to hold his nerve in a playoff against Justin Rose, which he did with poise.
DeChambeau, for his part, noticed the cold shoulder and was visibly puzzled after the round: “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
McIlroy says he wouldn’t change a thing about that day. In fact, he hopes to feel 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