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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 during the Masters final round to secure his long-awaited victory.

Many noticed Rory McIlroy’s cold demeanor toward Bryson DeChambeau during the final round of the Masters. No words, no eye contact — a silence that puzzled fans and even DeChambeau himself. But as McIlroy recently revealed on a podcast, this behavior was a deliberate mental strategy.

Heading into the final round with a two-shot lead, McIlroy faced immense pressure. Not only was he chasing his first major title 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 previous year’s U.S. Open.

Bob Rotella’s advice shaped McIlroy’s game plan

To prepare mentally, McIlroy consulted renowned sports psychologist Bob Rotella. While confident in his game, McIlroy was concerned about the crowd support for DeChambeau and their contrasting playing styles. Rotella’s advice was clear: block DeChambeau out completely. No talking, no looking, no reacting. McIlroy was to stay locked in with his caddie, Harry Diamond, and focus solely on his own performance.

Early struggles and key birdies

The strategy was tested early. McIlroy lost his lead and briefly fell behind. But in a pivotal stretch, he regained control with clutch birdies, while DeChambeau faltered with bogeys. McIlroy later said this phase was likely the turning point. Once he managed to control his thoughts about DeChambeau, his focus sharpened. “From that point on, I was the only thing in my way,” he reflected. Staying present and composed became his greatest challenge — and his greatest asset.

Though DeChambeau didn’t prevail, McIlroy still had to face Justin Rose in a playoff, where he showcased remarkable composure to seal the win. 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 — a sign that he’s once more competing for something truly meaningful.