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 cold demeanor 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 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 since 2014, but also the elusive career Grand Slam. Complicating matters was the fact that he was paired with DeChambeau, a fan favorite 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 renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. Although confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the dynamic with DeChambeau and the crowd support his opponent would receive. “I felt it would be the toughest thing to deal with Bryson and the way we approach the game so differently,” McIlroy said.
Rotella’s advice was simple but bold: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay in his own world, communicating only with his caddie Harry Diamond. The goal: a mental tunnel focused solely on 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 turned things around with clutch birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys on the same holes.
Looking back, McIlroy believes that stretch was decisive. He admits he didn’t always understand DeChambeau’s decisions, but once he managed to control his own reactions, everything changed. “From that point on, I was only in my own way,” McIlroy reflected. The biggest challenge was staying present and composed. His toughest opponent that day wasn’t DeChambeau—it was himself.
Though DeChambeau didn’t prevail, McIlroy still had to outlast Justin Rose in a playoff, where he showed remarkable poise to secure the win.
DeChambeau later commented on McIlroy’s behavior, saying, “He didn’t even talk to me today.”
McIlroy has no regrets. 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