“I’m not sure what he anticipated”: Rory McIlroy’s brilliant response to Bryson DeChambeau’s ongoing Masters complaints.

Rory McIlroy has dismissed speculation around a rift with Bryson DeChambeau, which originated from their final-round pairing at The Masters last month.

Just under a year after McIlroy’s dramatic collapse in the last round handed victory to DeChambeau at the US Open, it was the Irish golfer who maintained his composure at Augusta, ultimately clinching the win while DeChambeau faltered, finishing tied for fifth.

Post-round, DeChambeau voiced his discontent, stating that McIlroy “didn’t talk to me once all day,” as McIlroy finally broke a decade-long major drought to complete a career grand slam.

However, in a media session ahead of this weekend’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, McIlroy indicated that DeChambeau should not have been surprised by his lack of interaction.

“I’m not sure what he expected… we’re both trying to win the Masters. I’m not going to be his best mate out there,” McIlroy remarked.

“Everyone has their own way of approaching the game. I was concentrating on my own performance and what I needed to accomplish, and that’s all there was to it.

“There was no malice intended towards him; I simply did what I felt was necessary to bring the best out of myself on that day.”

Even the most seasoned golf fans were moved to tears as McIlroy fell to his knees, overcome with emotion, after sinking the winning putt.

Looking ahead to the second major of the year, McIlroy expressed a desire to create more memorable moments before retiring from the sport, acknowledging that the recent victory could well be the highlight of his career.

“It’s important to have goals and dreams, and I’ve achieved something I’ve long aspired to,” he reflected.

“I will continue to set myself goals and strive to achieve various milestones, yet I recognise that this win may indeed be the pinnacle of my career.

“That’s a remarkably special thing. I still want to create numerous other highlights and memorable moments, but I’m not certain any victory will compare to what took place a few weeks ago.”

McIlroy, a two-time PGA Championship winner, will kick off his first two rounds alongside world No.1 Scottie Scheffler and reigning champion Xander Schauffele.