Bryson DeChambeau says that Rory McIlroy ‘didn’t talk to him once’ during the final round at Augusta National as both men sought to win the green jacket for the first time.
McIlroy started the day two shots ahead of his American opponent but that lead was cut out on the opening hole after a double bogey from the Northern Irishman.
DeChambeau birdied the second to move into the outright lead but fell away as his round went on and finished three over for the day eventually tying fifth place while McIlroy fought through a play-off with Justin Rose to claim a career grand slam with his first Masters victory.
During one of his post round interviews DeChambeau, who defeated McIlroy in the US Open final round last year, was asked if he knew how his playing partner was doing and he replied: “No idea. [McIlroy] didn’t talk to me once all day.”
A follow-up question asked if DeChambeau had tried to initiate conversation with McIlroy to which he answered: “He wouldn’t talk to me.”
The ongoing rivalry between DeChambeau and McIlroy is fascinating to watch and there pairing in the final round set up a blockbuster clash for the Masters’ conclusion.
Though McIlroy’s main threat would eventually come from a surging Rose on Sunday the 35-year-old spoke about remaining focused and ‘in his own little world’ ahead of the fourth round.
On Saturday he revealed: “These patrons and these galleries are a pleasure to play in front of. They’re some of the most knowledgable golf patrons and spectators that we play in front of and it’s a pleasure to play in front of them and to have that atmosphere and that support.
“In that final group it’s going to be a little rowdy and a little loud and I’m just going to have to settle in and really try to keep myself in my own little bubble. Keep my head down and approach tomorrow with the same attitude that I’ve tried to approach the last three days.”
The decision to block out ‘the noise’ was the correct one from McIlroy who shot a one-over par 73 to tie with Rose at 11-under before recording a birdie on the 18th in the play-off to win the tournament.
“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” said McIlroy when presented with his green jacket,
“The past 10 years [I’ve been] coming with the burden of the grand slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that. I am so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion.
“It’s been very difficult. And not just about winning my next major, but the career grand slam.”
