Hidden confrontation in the champion group

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), ranked second in the men's golf world rankings, revealed that he had a tense battle of nerves with Bryson DeChambeau (USA) over the putting order in the final round of the Masters Tournament last year.

According to a golf media report, McIlroy revealed this behind-the-scenes story in the documentary 'Rory McIlroy: Waiting for the Masters', which covers his Masters victory. At the time, it was reported that the two players did not exchange a single word throughout the round, but in reality, there was a fierce confrontation at a critical moment.

Hole 9, the turning point of the game

The situation in question occurred on the 9th hole, when McIlroy was ahead by 3 strokes. Both players had birdie putts of similar distance left on the green. In golf, the player who is farther from the hole cup putsts first, and both wanted to succeed first to put psychological pressure on their opponents.

“I thought his ball was a little closer than mine,” McIlroy recalled. “We exchanged looks and I said, ‘I think it’s my turn,’ and he also said, ‘I think it’s my turn.’”

When DeChambeau wouldn't back down, McIlroy suggested an official measurement, and only then did DeChambeau give in. As a result, McIlroy, who putt first, succeeded in making a birdie, and DeChambeau, who putted later, failed. After this hole, the gap between the two players widened to 4 strokes, effectively deciding the match.

Revenge of defeat at the 2024 US Open

This war of nerves has a history. McIlroy had painful memories of losing to DeChambeau at the last minute at the 2024 US Open. The final round of last year's Masters was also not smooth. McIlroy, who started with a two-stroke lead, made a double bogey in the first hole, giving DeChambeau a tie for the lead, and briefly lost the lead in the second hole.

However, McIlroy fought back with consecutive birdies on the 3rd and 4th holes, and beat DeChambeau, who had consecutive bogeys on the same holes. The putting nerves on the 9th hole became a critical turning point for McIlroy toward victory.