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Rory McIlroy reveals mental strategy behind Masters triumph

Rory McIlroy reveals mental strategy behind Masters triumph
Rory McIlroy ignored his opponent Bryson DeChambeau during the Masters final round. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic 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. While this behavior puzzled fans and DeChambeau alike, McIlroy has now revealed in a podcast that it was all part of a deliberate mental strategy.

Advice from Bob Rotella proved decisive

Heading into the final round, McIlroy faced a unique challenge: playing against 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 not only end his major drought since 2014 but also complete the career Grand Slam.

To prepare, McIlroy turned to 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. Rotella’s advice was clear: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay in his own mental tunnel, focused solely on his caddie Harry Diamond and his own game.

Shaky start, crucial birdies

The plan was tested early. McIlroy struggled at the start, losing his lead and briefly falling behind. But in a pivotal stretch, he regained control with key birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. McIlroy later said this phase was likely the turning point of the round.

“Once I realized I had my thoughts about Bryson under control, the only thing left in my way was myself,” McIlroy reflected. Staying present and composed became his greatest challenge. Though DeChambeau couldn’t mount a comeback, McIlroy still had to hold his nerve in a playoff against Justin Rose, which he did with poise.

DeChambeau, for his part, was visibly confused by McIlroy’s silence, commenting after the round, “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.