AUGUSTA, Georgia — From the 15th fairway at Augusta National, Bryson DeChambeau could see Rory McIlroy on the green below.
McIlroy`s second shot landed softly, leaving him only 6 feet for an eagle. DeChambeau likely heard the crowd`s roar, confirming McIlroy`s second eagle of the day. This put McIlroy at 12 under par, five shots ahead of DeChambeau.
With just four holes remaining on Saturday at the Masters, catching McIlroy seemed unlikely. However, the two-time U.S. Open winner, DeChambeau, had a clear goal: “Get in the final pairing.”
DeChambeau responded to McIlroy`s eagle with a birdie on the 15th hole. On the 16th, after making another birdie putt, he looked towards the 17th fairway where McIlroy was walking.
“Rory was moving ahead at 12 under, and I was trying to catch up,” DeChambeau explained. “After my birdie, I looked up, making a statement to myself, `I`m still in this. I`m not giving up.`”
And so, the stage is set again.
Almost a year after their thrilling U.S. Open finish at Pinehurst, where McIlroy faced disappointment and DeChambeau celebrated victory, they are again competing for a major championship on Sunday. This time, they are in the final group together, and the Masters title is at stake.
“I need to remember there are still 18 holes to play,” McIlroy said after his impressive round brought him within two shots of DeChambeau. “I know better than anyone what can happen on the final day here.”
This isn`t about rivalry or tour differences; it`s simply about two top golfers competing for the coveted Masters green jacket on golf`s biggest stage.
Their playing styles share some similarities. Both are powerful drivers, ranking top in distance this week, and their scores often depend on their approach shots and putting. However, their personalities are very different.
This contrast was evident as they walked off the 18th green. McIlroy, after parring his last three holes and receiving cheers, offered reserved nods to the crowd. DeChambeau, after sinking a 48-foot birdie putt on 18, reacted with an enthusiastic fist pump and high-fived fans along the rope line.
“Interacting with fans helps me focus,” DeChambeau said. “Feeding off the crowd`s energy, especially here, is a great feeling.”
Technically, DeChambeau focuses on launch angles and ball speed, while McIlroy seeks a feeling of control in his game.
“If I can feel in control,” McIlroy said, “and feel good about my game, that`s a victory for me.”
DeChambeau is a showman, while McIlroy is more introspective. McIlroy acknowledges his anxieties and uses notes to encourage himself during rounds. He relaxes with books or TV, while DeChambeau prefers action movies.
“Looking at my phone is not a problem for me,” said DeChambeau, who is active on social media.
DeChambeau thrives on crowd energy, while McIlroy aims to stay focused within himself, especially in the potentially loud final group on Sunday.
“Tomorrow will be rowdy and loud in the final group,” McIlroy said. “I need to stay in my bubble and keep focused.”
DeChambeau, however, plans to embrace the crowd`s energy, at least until his next shot.
“I react and just be myself,” DeChambeau said. “I`m just a bit different.”
Sunday will highlight their differences. While McIlroy seeks his first major win in a while, DeChambeau has already won two majors since McIlroy`s last victory.
McIlroy`s past disappointments are well-known, including his 2011 Masters collapse. In 2022 at the Old Course, he was overtaken by Cameron Smith. In the 2023 U.S. Open, he couldn`t catch Wyndham Clark. Pinehurst last year was particularly painful, with missed putts leading to DeChambeau`s victory.
“That 2011 Masters was a long time ago,” McIlroy said. “I`m glad I have a short memory.”
On paper, 18 holes separate McIlroy from a career Grand Slam. In reality, it`s about overcoming past heartbreaks and facing DeChambeau again. DeChambeau is ready to compete and potentially spoil McIlroy`s Masters dream.
“We both really want to win. It`s going to be an incredible atmosphere,” DeChambeau said. “It`ll be the biggest stage in a long time.”
Jasper Hawthorne