Rory McIlroy wasn’t about to share any sentiments regarding Bryson DeChambeau while in the heat of competition for a green jacket.
Reflecting on his triumph at the 2025 Masters last month, the Northern Irish golfer stood by his competitive tactics during the final round at Augusta National.
“Honestly, I’m not sure what he was expecting. We were all there to win a Masters, and I wasn’t focused on making friends,” McIlroy remarked to reporters ahead of the 2025 PGA Championship at Quazlo Hollow.
“Players have different approaches to the game. My focus was primarily on my own performance, not on him,” he added.
After a strong showing, McIlroy ascended the leaderboard with a stunning 6-under 66 in the third round, paving the way for a final round duel against DeChambeau, reminiscent of their rivalry during the 2024 US Open.
However, DeChambeau, 31, struggled with four bogeys, finishing the day with a disappointing 3-over par 75.
Though McIlroy celebrated his historic achievement, DeChambeau expressed frustration, stating, “He didn’t talk to me all day,” hinting at the chilly interaction between the two competitors.
As the tournament reached its conclusion, McIlroy faced many ups and downs, even pushing the event into a playoff after some missed putts on the 18th. Eventually, he clinched victory in a one-hole playoff against Justin Rose, securing his long-awaited first major in over a decade.
Now recognized as a five-time major champion, McIlroy mentioned that he’s consciously avoiding overthinking that winning putt, hoping to fully embrace the emotions of that milestone.
Following this significant victory, McIlroy savored the moment with his family, including his wife, Erika Stoll, and their four-year-old daughter, Poppy, as they prepare for a move to the UK later this summer.
McIlroy, who married Stoll in 2017, had briefly filed for divorce last year before rethinking that decision.
The PGA Championship kicks off on Thursday, where McIlroy will be grouped with Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele for the first two rounds.
