Well, Masters is over and it did not disappoint. Rory McIlroy claimed his first-ever title at the Augusta National Golf Course after enduring 4 tough rounds and a playoff hole. McIlroy was understandably ecstatic, proudly wearing his green jacket. One guy, who was expected to give the Northern Irish golfer tough competition was Bryson DeChambeau. The duo started the last day first and second but eventually the LIV golfer stumbled and lost grip of the game.

After the final round, DeChambeau was asked about Rory McIlroy’s mental state of mind and what he told him as both of them were tee partners for the day. DeChambeau candidly replied stating that he has, “No idea. Didn’t talk to me once all day.” He further stated that it could have been because of the occasion. “Just being focused, I guess.”

The response, although seemingly normal, was not received well by several factions of the golfing community. DeChambeau’s answer was discussed in a detailed manner on the Dan on Golf podcast by host Dan Rapaport and Alan Shipnuck.

Shipnuck felt that it was really unfair of DeChambeau to bring the issue to the forefront of such a historic occasion for Rory McIlroy. “I thought that was really weak of Bryson to bring that up. This is the greatest moment of Rory’s golfing life and Bryson made it all about him and his little tender feelings. Like who cares, if he talked to you.” Shipnuck stated.

McIlroy had told after Round 3, that he was going to withdraw from all external influences, like keeping his phone away till the end of Round 4, and try to focus as he was pushing for his first-ever Masters title. The reaction to DeChambeau was probably an extension of the focus he wanted to display and his commitment to the goal.

Dan Rapaport further added that the duo were very different kinds of people. “They got nothing in common, besides they are both really good at swinging sticks,” The podcast host stated. In short, their subjects of interest are quite different from each other, except, of course, golf.

There could be another reason why McIlroy chose not to talk to the two-time US Open Champion. DeChambeau has a way of getting the crowd hyped up which gives the LIV Golfer a mental advantage.

DeChambeau’s ability to rile up the crowd

This incident happened on Day 3 at Redbud, the 16th hole. DeChambeau made a great tee shot that was very close to the hole before one-putting to score a birdie at the 3-par hole. At that point, the two-time US Open winner was chasing Rory McIlroy, who was four shots ahead of him. DeChambeau’s extravagant celebration after the putt was meant to rile up the crowd but also served a different purpose altogether. At least, according to Andy Johnson Fried Egg Golf Podcast. “He makes the putt, the crowd reacts. And then does what he did at the US Open.” Andy Johnson recalled.

DeChambeau who is known for his celebrations, made sure that the crowd reacted to the brilliant birdie as he closed in on the Northern Irish golfer. That was meant to put pressure on McIlroy and give the two-time major winner a bit more push. “I think he did that so that Rory could hear it. At that time, Rory was 4 up on Bryson, I think he was trying to jostle him a bit.” Johnson opined.

McIlroy was involved in a heavy battle with DeChambeau at the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst. So he knew, how dangerous DeChambeau can be in his element. Maybe that was why he chose to ignore the American golfer and prioritize his own game. Well, it did work, didn’t it?