AUGUSTA, Ga. — Bryson DeChambeau, standing on the 15th fairway at Augusta National, had a perfect view of Rory McIlroy`s progress.
McIlroy, on the green, executed a delicate second shot, leaving himself only 6 feet for an eagle. Even without seeing the ball drop, the roar of the crowd told DeChambeau everything: McIlroy had secured his second eagle of the day, advancing to 12 under par and establishing a five-shot lead over DeChambeau.
With just four holes remaining, catching McIlroy seemed improbable. However, it was Saturday at the Masters, and the two-time U.S. Open champion focused on a singular goal.
`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 paused to observe McIlroy on the 17th fairway across the pond.
`Rory was pulling ahead at 12 under, and I was trying to close the gap,` DeChambeau recounted. `After my birdie, I looked up, and it was like a declaration, `I’m still in this. I’m not giving up.“
And so, it continues.
Nearly ten months after their dramatic U.S. Open finish at Pinehurst, where McIlroy faced disappointment and DeChambeau celebrated victory, they are set to compete head-to-head on Sunday for another major championship. This time, they are in the final pairing, and the Masters title is at stake.
`I need to remember there are still 18 holes to play,` McIlroy stated after his impressive round, which gave him a two-shot lead over DeChambeau. `I know as well as anyone how quickly things can change here on the final day.`
This contest isn`t about rivalry or tours; it`s simply about two elite golfers vying for the most prestigious prize in golf on its grandest stage.
Their playing styles share similarities. Both possess incredible driving power, ranking top in distance this week. Their scores often hinge on the consistency of their approach shots and putting. 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 and receiving cheers, offered restrained nods to the applauding crowd. DeChambeau, however, finished with a sensational 48-foot birdie putt and celebrated with an energetic fist pump, engaging with fans along the rope line on his way to scoring.
`Engaging with the crowd sharpens my focus,` DeChambeau explained. `The energy exchange with the patrons here is a fantastic feeling.`
DeChambeau meticulously analyzes launch angles and ball speed, while McIlroy emphasizes the importance of feeling in control over chasing specific numbers or scores.
`If I can achieve that feeling of control,` McIlroy said, `and reflect at the end of the day knowing I played with the right mindset, that`s a victory in itself.`
DeChambeau thrives in the spotlight, displaying confidence and enthusiasm. McIlroy, more introspective, acknowledges his anxieties and uses personal notes for encouragement during rounds. He relaxes with books, TV shows, or family time. DeChambeau also enjoys movies, preferring James Bond.
`Looking at my phone isn`t a problem for me,` DeChambeau mentioned, highlighting his active social media presence.
While DeChambeau feeds off external energy, McIlroy recognizes the need to maintain focus amidst the lively atmosphere of the final round.
`Tomorrow`s final group will be intense and loud,` McIlroy predicted. `I need to stay within my own zone, remain composed.`
DeChambeau, conversely, intends to embrace the crowd`s energy, at least until it`s time to focus on his shot.
`It’s about reacting naturally and being myself,` DeChambeau stated. `Some might see me as different, and that`s okay.`
Sunday presents a perfect stage for their contrasting styles to play out. The most significant difference, however, is their major championship record since McIlroy`s last major win: DeChambeau has claimed two.
McIlroy`s past disappointments are well-documented, becoming as defining as his four major wins from 2011 to 2014. From the 2011 Masters collapse to near misses at the Open Championship and U.S. Open, Pinehurst was perhaps the most painful. Missing crucial short putts, he watched DeChambeau secure victory.
`That was 14 years ago,` McIlroy commented on the 2011 Masters. `Thankfully, I have a short memory.`
On paper, 18 holes separate McIlroy from a career Grand Slam. In reality, it`s a journey through years of near successes, heartbreaks, and a rematch against the very player who denied him victory last year. DeChambeau is eager to embrace the challenge, maintain his aggressive approach, and potentially spoil McIlroy`s quest once more.
`We both desperately want to win. The atmosphere will be electric,` DeChambeau concluded. `It’s set to be the most significant stage we’ve seen in a long time.`
Benedict Kingsley