Rory McIlroy shared the unusual mental tactic he used to secure victory at the Masters, ignoring his final-round rival.
During the final round of the Masters, Rory McIlroy noticeably avoided any interaction with his playing partner Bryson DeChambeau. No words, no eye contact—an approach that puzzled many, including DeChambeau himself. But as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast, this was all part of a deliberate mental strategy.
Heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, McIlroy faced immense pressure. Not only was a Green Jacket on the line, but also his first major win since 2014 and the elusive career Grand Slam. Complicating matters was the fact that he was paired with DeChambeau, a fan favorite who had defeated him at the previous year’s U.S. Open.
Bob Rotella’s advice shaped McIlroy’s approach
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’s support for his opponent. Rotella’s advice was clear: block out DeChambeau entirely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay locked in with his caddie Harry Diamond and remain in a mental tunnel focused solely on his own performance.
Early struggles and a pivotal turnaround
The strategy was tested early as McIlroy lost his lead and briefly fell behind. But in a crucial stretch, he regained control with key birdies while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. McIlroy later said this turning point was likely decisive. Once he managed to suppress his concerns about DeChambeau, his focus shifted inward. \”From that point on, I was the only one in my way,\” he reflected. Staying present and composed became his greatest challenge—and ultimately his greatest triumph.
Though DeChambeau didn’t win, McIlroy still had to hold his nerve in a playoff against Justin Rose, which he did with poise. DeChambeau, meanwhile, 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 intensity again—because it means he’s once more in contention 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