Rory McIlroy puts Bryson DeChambeau in his place after Masters comments

Rory McIlroy has responded to Bryson DeChambeau’s comments about their Masters pairing with icy clarity – as the two gear up for another potential showdown at Quail Hollow.

Rory McIlroy isn’t in the mood for small talk – especially when there’s a major on the line.

Ahead of this week’s PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, McIlroy responded to comments from Bryson DeChambeau following their final-round pairing at the Masters – where DeChambeau claimed the Northern Irishman “barely spoke” to him.

McIlroy’s reply? Sharp, focused, and unapologetic.

“I don’t know what he was expecting,” McIlroy said. “I mean, we’re trying to win the Masters. I’m not going to try to be his best mate out there.”

He clarified it wasn’t personal – just business. With a Green Jacket on the line, he was locked in.

“Everyone approaches the game different ways,” he continued. “I was focused on myself and what I needed to do. That’s really all that it was. It wasn’t anything against him. I felt that’s what I needed to do to try to get the best out of myself that day.”

McIlroy’s approach clearly paid off. He bagged a long-awaited Green Jacket while DeChambeau stumbled to his worst round of the week and dropped out of the hunt.

The exchange adds a little spice to an already compelling storyline heading into Quail Hollow, where both players are chasing their next major – and could well go head-to-head down the final stretch again.

Background on the beef

After their pairing in the final round at Augusta, DeChambeau noted that McIlroy was distant throughout the round.

“He didn’t talk to me at all,” DeChambeau said post-round. “He was just really locked in.”

McIlroy’s response makes it clear: locked in, not locked out.

PGA showdown incoming?

Both players arrive at Quail Hollow with a spring in their step. McIlroy is fresh off completing the career Grand Slam, while DeChambeau won the latest LIV Golf event and seeks to go one better than his second-place finish at last year’s PGA Championship.

Another battle between the flagbearers of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf would make for must-watch golf – just don’t expect there to be much chit-chat to listen to if they’re paired together at the weekend.

A course that built a champion

Separating two of the world’s best may come down to small margins – but this week’s venue could be a big edge for McIlroy.

McIlroy’s history at Quail Hollow runs deep. It’s where he won his first PGA Tour title in 2010 – and where he’s thrived ever since, including a dominant win here last year.

“Every time I come here, those good feelings get rekindled,” he said. “That first win always sticks with you. It was just an amazing day, and it feels like such a long time ago — but I remember every shot.”

This week marks his 17th PGA Championship start. And with the burden of the Grand Slam lifted, McIlroy seems both grounded and dangerous.

Free of burden, focused on legacy

McIlroy’s Augusta triumph has shifted his mindset.

“I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do in the game,” he said. “Everything beyond this is a bonus.”

“I want to enjoy what I’ve achieved. I want to enjoy the last decade or whatever of my career. I don’t want to burden myself with stats or numbers — I just want to play the best golf I can.”

Even Xander Schauffele recently said the “new Rory” is a scary prospect – with one of the game’s greats now free from the weight of expectation .

“I’m just the same person,” said McIlroy. “I try to have the same attitude and the same approach to each and every tournament and try to get the best out of myself.

“I’m still going to set myself goals. But I sit here knowing that [Augusta] very well could be the highlight of my career. And that’s a very cool thing.

“I’ve never felt a release like that before and I might never feel a release like that again,” he said. “Anytime I watch it back, I still feel like I want to cry.”

Roaring in the rain

Preparation this week hasn’t been ideal, with weather delays limiting practice. But McIlroy is leaning on familiarity over fine-tuning.

“These three days probably won’t be a true reflection of what we’re going to face,” he said. “But it’s not like I don’t know this place.”

“I tried to hit a lot of downhill putts just to feel the speeds. It’s more about re-familiarizing yourself than learning something new.”

Eyes on major number six

McIlroy may not offer much conversation to whoever he’s paired with this weekend, but all eyes will be on him as he chases the sixth major of his career — and his second of the season.

A win would take him halfway to a Calendar Grand Slam – something no player has ever achieved in the modern era.

And based on his focused mood this week?

Don’t bet against him.

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