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—just silence. What seemed strange to spectators and even to DeChambeau himself was actually a deliberate mental tactic, as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast.
Heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, McIlroy faced immense pressure. It wasn’t just about winning a tournament—it was about capturing his first Major since 2014 and completing the career Grand Slam. Complicating matters was the fact that he was paired with DeChambeau, a fan favorite and the man who had beaten him at the previous year’s U.S. Open.
Bob Rotella’s advice changed everything
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 his opponent would receive. “I felt it would be the toughest 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 stay in his own mental bubble, communicating only with his caddie Harry Diamond. The goal was total focus on his own game and nothing else.
Early struggles and key birdies
The strategy was tested early. McIlroy had a shaky start, losing his lead and briefly falling behind. But in the crucial middle stretch, he turned things around with clutch birdies—just as DeChambeau faltered with bogeys.
McIlroy now believes that stretch was the turning point. He couldn’t understand some of DeChambeau’s decisions, but once he managed to control his own reactions, everything changed. “From that point on, the only person in my way was myself,” he said. His biggest challenge was staying present and focused. Though DeChambeau faded, McIlroy still had to hold his nerve in a playoff against Justin Rose, which he did with poise.
DeChambeau later admitted he was puzzled by McIlroy’s behavior: “He didn’t say a word to me today.”
Looking back, McIlroy says he wouldn’t change a thing. In fact, he hopes to feel that same 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/E