Rory McIlroy has shrugged off Bryson DeChambeau’s complaints over their lack of interaction during the final round at Augusta, insisting he was simply locked in on completing the career Grand Slam.
McIlroy, 35, became just the sixth player in history to win all four men’s Majors with his triumph at the 2025 Masters, joining legends such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. His final-round 69 was enough to edge out Justin Rose and secure his first Major title since 2014, ending a decade-long drought on golf’s biggest stages.
DeChambeau, who began the final day just two shots back and in the final pairing with McIlroy, faded with a closing 75 to finish tied fifth. Afterwards, the American raised eyebrows when he commented: “No idea. Didn’t talk to me once all day. He wouldn’t talk to me.”
McIlroy Sets Record Straight
But speaking ahead of this week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, McIlroy was quick to downplay any perceived friction. “I don’t know what he was expecting,” said McIlroy. “We’re trying to win the Masters. I’m not trying to be his best mate out there. Everyone approaches the game differently, and for me, I needed to stay in my own world to get the job done.”
McIlroy’s focus was no accident. Sports psychologist Dr Bob Rotella, who has worked with the Northern Irishman for years, revealed they had devised a strict mental game plan for the week.
Mind Games
“That didn’t have anything to do with Bryson,” Rotella told BBC Radio 4. “We didn’t want Rory paying attention to what anyone else was scoring or how far they were hitting it. It was all about getting lost in his own game.”
The strategy clearly worked. McIlroy hit over 75% of greens in regulation for the week and ranked second in strokes gained: approach, a vital stat at Augusta National. He also made just four bogeys across 72 holes—his lowest total in a Major since his 2011 U.S. Open win.
