Bryson DeChambeau says it was his ‘duty’ to be different to Rory McIlroy

Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy took polar opposite approaches to the final round at Augusta National, and the American has opened up on his radically different style to the Masters champ

Bryson DeChambeau caused a stir in the aftermath of his Masters misery by appearing annoyed that Rory McIlroy did not speak to him once during the final round at Augusta National, and the American has opened up on their different approaches to the big moment.

The rivals were paired in the final group with the Green Jacket on the line last month and approached their final rounds entirely different ways. DeChambeau played on his newfound status as a fan favorite and tried to rally the patrons in his favor with his energy and charisma.

McIlroy, meanwhile, was laser-focused on the task at hand, giving DeChambeau the silent treatment as he homed in on completing his childhood dreams of winning The Masters and completing the career grand slam.

DeChambeau’s approach seemed to work wonders for him when he edged McIlroy to win the U.S. Open in the most dramatic fashion 11 months ago. But, coupled with deficiencies in his iron and wedge play that hampered him throughout the tournament, DeChambeau’s approach backfired and he wilted out of contention.

McIlroy also looked destined to throw a golden opportunity away, but the Northern Irishman grimly clung on to defeat Justin Rose in a playoff for his fifth major championship.

DeChambeau was asked how McIlroy was feeling in the scoring hut after his bogey on the 18th meant a playoff was going to ensue. “No idea,” the two-time major champion replied.

“Didn’t talk to me once all day. [The atmosphere was] electric. I loved it. But he was just like … just being focused, I guess. It’s not me, though … He wouldn’t talk to me.”

LIV Golf star DeChambeau has made a strong return to action on the breakaway tour, finishing in third place last week in Mexico City. And the 31-year-old has a share of the overnight lead at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in South Korea after Friday’s opening round.

DeChambeau, who is tied at seven-under-par with Talor Gooch after 18 holes in Incheon, was asked following the round about the way he conducts himself on the course and why he is intent on interacting with the galleries. The world No. 12 told reporters he felt obliged to be an “entertainer.”

“I can only speak for myself. I can’t speak for Rory. What I can say about myself is that I genuinely care about the game of golf and growing it globally and inspiring a bunch of people and kids, especially kids, to play this great game,” DeChambeau said.