AUGUSTA, Ga. — From the 15th fairway at Augusta National, Bryson DeChambeau could clearly see the unfolding drama below.
On the green, Rory McIlroy`s second shot was exquisitely placed, leaving him just 6 feet from 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, propelling him to 12 under par and a five-shot lead over DeChambeau.
With only four holes remaining, catching McIlroy seemed improbable. Yet, it was Saturday at the Masters, and the two-time U.S. Open champion focused on a single objective.
`Get in the final pairing.`
DeChambeau responded to McIlroy`s eagle with a birdie on the 15th. On the 16th, he sank another short birdie putt, pausing to glance across the pond towards the 17th fairway where McIlroy was walking.
`Rory was moving ahead, at 12 under, and I was in pursuit,` DeChambeau explained. `After making that putt, I looked up and declared, to myself and almost as a statement, `I`m still in this. I`m not giving up.“
Here we go again.
Nearly ten months after their thrilling U.S. Open finish at Pinehurst, where McIlroy faced disappointment and DeChambeau celebrated victory, they are set to clash again on Sunday with another major championship at stake. This time, they are paired in the final group, and this time, the Masters Green Jacket is the prize.
`I need to keep reminding myself that there are still 18 holes to play,` McIlroy stated after his low round of the day gave him a two-shot lead over DeChambeau. `I know as well as anyone what can happen here on the final day.`
This is not a contest of good versus evil, nor a rivalry between tours, but simply a battle between two of the world`s best golfers vying for the sport`s most coveted prize on its grandest stage.
Their playing styles share similarities. Both can dominate courses with their drivers – ranking 1-2 in driving distance this week – and often rely on their approach shots and putting to dictate their scores. However, describing DeChambeau and McIlroy as polar opposites would be an understatement.
This contrast was evident as they walked off the 18th green. McIlroy, after parring his final three holes and receiving cheers and ovations, offered only solemn nods. DeChambeau, concluding with an electrifying 48-foot birdie putt on 18, reacted with a fist pump and high-fived fans along the rope line on his way to scoring.
`Engaging with the crowd sharpens my focus,` DeChambeau commented. `It`s enjoyable to feed off the energy, especially from the patrons here. Their energy is contagious.`
On the course and driving range, DeChambeau relentlessly seeks optimal launch angles and ball speed, while McIlroy emphasizes the feeling of control, rather than numbers or scores.
`If I can achieve that feeling,` McIlroy said, `and reflect at night knowing I played with the feeling I aim for, that to me, is a victory in itself.`
DeChambeau is a showman, approaching everything with flair and intensity. McIlroy, in contrast, openly reveals his inner thoughts, mentioning pre-round anxieties and using motivational notes in his yardage book. He relaxes with light entertainment, while DeChambeau prefers action movies.
`Looking at my phone is not a problem for me,` DeChambeau admitted, referencing his large social media presence.
While DeChambeau thrives on the crowd`s energy, McIlroy understands the need to remain focused amidst the potentially raucous atmosphere of the final group on Sunday.
`Tomorrow in the final group, it will be lively and loud,` McIlroy predicted. `I need to stay within my own zone, keep my focus.`
DeChambeau plans to embrace the crowd`s energy, at least until each shot requires his full concentration.
`It`s about reacting and being myself,` DeChambeau stated. `People can judge as they wish, but I am simply different.`
Sunday will vividly highlight their differences. Yet, a significant contrast is already evident: since McIlroy`s last major win, DeChambeau has claimed two.
McIlroy`s major heartbreaks are well-documented, becoming as much a part of his narrative as his four major victories from 2011 to 2014. Past near-misses and disappointments weigh heavily as he faces DeChambeau again, the same rival who denied him at Pinehurst last year.
Standing between McIlroy and a career Grand Slam are 18 holes and the shadow of past defeats. DeChambeau, relishing the high-stakes rematch, is eager to 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 promises to be a truly grand stage.`
