‘Rory McIlroy’s Stinging Masters Snub: A Clear Break from Bryson’

A prominent member of Rory McIlroy’s entourage has shed light on why the Irish golfing icon didn’t engage with rival Bryson DeChambeau during a high-pressure final round at the Masters.

DeChambeau created quite a stir on Monday after declaring that McIlroy “didn’t talk to me at all throughout the day” while they navigated the prestigious Augusta National, both vying for the coveted green jacket.

In the end, it was McIlroy who kept his composure, securing his first Masters victory in a thrilling playoff against Justin Rose, while DeChambeau’s performance faltered.

Known for his animated demeanour on the course and frequent banter with his caddie or fellow competitors, DeChambeau opened up about McIlroy’s lack of communication following a double bogey at the 13th hole, saying, “I have no idea how he feels; he didn’t talk to me at all that day.”

When asked if he attempted to strike up a conversation with McIlroy, DeChambeau replied, “He wouldn’t engage with me.”

These remarks ignited speculation about a possible feud between the two players, but McIlroy’s psychologist, Bob Rotella, clarified that this was all part of their strategy.

“This had nothing to do with Bryson; it was simply the game plan we had in place for the week, and we aimed to stay immersed in it,” Rotella shared on Radio 4’s Today programme.

“We wanted Rory to focus entirely on his game without concern for anyone else’s scores, swings, or distances – we opted for him to just play his own game.”

“The key takeaway is if you have a belief in your victory, play your style and trust that if you execute it close to your capability, you’ll end up on top.”

Although many observers highlighted a brief nine-second clip circulating on social media on Monday that distorted DeChambeau’s comments, the actual interview conveyed a more amicable tone towards McIlroy.

When further questioned regarding McIlroy’s double bogey on the 13th, where he found water, DeChambeau candidly stated, “I wanted to feel for him.”

“I can hardly believe he attempted that… there were moments he seemed to have everything together, and then other moments it was like, what’s happening?

“It kind of reminded me of my rounds, to be honest.”

The duo share a complicated history both on and off the green.

McIlroy notably faltered at the finish of last year’s US Open, paving the way for DeChambeau to seize the title.

After the event, McIlroy controversially departed without acknowledging DeChambeau’s triumph, a move that the latter publicly downplayed, though it likely left a bitter aftertaste.

A video clip that surfaced during the Masters showcased the pair on the driving range in between rounds, where McIlroy was heard stating, “I’d love to go up against Bryson in the final round to even the score for what he did at the US Open,” to which DeChambeau, only a few metres away, retorted, “to be fair, you kind of did it to yourself,” eliciting laughter from those around, including McIlroy.

Though both have publicly asserted that they’re on good terms, there are others who seem eager to stir tension between them.

Irish golfing legend Padraig Harrington commented on this dynamic while discussing with Irish Independent Sport on Monday: “Could you picture going out on a football pitch and saying your opponent wasn’t speaking to you or was unfriendly? I didn’t have a word with Sergio Garcia during a tournament because it was beneficial to my concentration, but I wouldn’t be trying to unsettle him.”

Previously, McIlroy had been quite vocal about his disapproval of players leaving the PGA Tour for lavish LIV contracts, but he has recently softened his stance and refrained from speaking negatively about LIV or its athletes.

DeChambeau, once perceived as a villain on the PGA Tour, has transformed his public image and is now regarded as one of the more favoured players in the golfing world.