AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bryson DeChambeau, standing on the 15th fairway at Augusta National, had a clear view of Rory McIlroy`s progress.
McIlroy`s second shot on the green was perfectly placed, leaving him only 6 feet for an eagle. The roar of the crowd confirmed to DeChambeau what he suspected: McIlroy had secured his second eagle of the day, advancing to 12 under par and establishing a five-shot lead over DeChambeau.
With only four holes remaining, catching McIlroy seemed improbable. However, it was Saturday at the Masters, and the two-time U.S. Open champion was determined.
`Get in the final pairing.`
DeChambeau responded to McIlroy`s eagle with a birdie on the 15th. On the 16th, after sinking another birdie putt, he glanced towards the 17th fairway where McIlroy was walking.
`Rory was pulling ahead at 12 under, and I was trying to close the gap,` DeChambeau explained. `After my birdie, it was a statement to myself: `I’m still in this. I’m not giving up.“
Here we are again.
Nearly a year after their thrilling U.S. Open finish at Pinehurst, where McIlroy faced disappointment and DeChambeau celebrated victory, they are set to compete on Sunday with another major championship at stake. This time, they are paired together in the final group, battling for the Masters title.
`I need to remember there are still 18 holes to play,` McIlroy said after his impressive round that put him two shots ahead of DeChambeau. `I know better than anyone how quickly things can change here on the final day.`
This is not a conflict of good versus evil, nor a rivalry between tours, but simply two elite golfers vying for the sport`s most prized accolade on its grandest stage.
Their playing styles share similarities. Both possess immense driving power, leading the field in distance this week, and often rely on their approach shots and putting performance to dictate their scores. Yet, their personalities present a stark contrast.
This contrast was evident as they walked off the 18th green. McIlroy, after parring his final three holes, acknowledged the cheers with solemn nods. DeChambeau, concluding his round with a remarkable 48-foot birdie putt, reacted with an enthusiastic fist pump, engaging with the crowd and high-fiving fans on his way to scoring.
`The crowd interaction enhances my focus,` DeChambeau noted. `Feeding off the energy of the patrons here is a unique and motivating feeling.`
DeChambeau focuses on optimizing launch angles and ball speed, while McIlroy emphasizes the importance of feeling in control of his game.
`For me, it`s about achieving that feeling of control,` McIlroy stated. `If I can reflect on my game and feel that I played the way I wanted to play, that itself is a victory.`
DeChambeau is a showman, approaching everything with flair and intensity. McIlroy openly shares his inner thoughts, acknowledging his anxieties and using personal notes for encouragement. To relax, McIlroy might read a John Grisham novel or watch `Zootopia` with his daughter. DeChambeau prefers James Bond movies.
`I have no problem looking at my phone,` mentioned DeChambeau, who has a large YouTube following.
While DeChambeau thrives on the energy of the crowd, McIlroy recognizes the need to maintain focus amidst the lively atmosphere on Sunday.
`It`s going to be energetic and loud in that final group tomorrow,` McIlroy predicted. `I need to stay within my own bubble and remain focused.`
DeChambeau intends to embrace the crowd`s energy, at least until it`s time to play his shot.
`It’s about reacting naturally and being myself,` DeChambeau said. `Some may see me as different, and that’s okay.`
Sunday will highlight their differences. The most significant difference might be that since McIlroy`s last major win, DeChambeau has claimed two.
McIlroy`s past disappointments are well-documented. At the Old Course in 2022, he was overtaken by Cameron Smith. In the 2023 U.S. Open, he couldn`t surpass Wyndham Clark. Pinehurst last year was particularly painful, with missed short putts as DeChambeau clinched victory.
Then there was the 2011 Masters, where a young McIlroy lost a four-shot lead in the final round.
`That was a long time ago,` McIlroy reflected. `I prefer to have a short memory.`
On paper, 18 holes separate McIlroy from completing his career Grand Slam. In reality, it`s 11 years of near misses and heartbreaks, with DeChambeau, his recent rival, standing in his way. DeChambeau is eager to compete again and potentially disrupt McIlroy`s ambitions.
`We both desperately want to win. The atmosphere will be incredible,` DeChambeau stated. `It will be the grandest stage in a long time.`
