DeChambeau Gains Momentum for Masters, But Did He Assist McIlroy in Achieving Grand Slam?

Bryson DeChambeau is in top form as he attempts to thwart Rory McIlroy's title defense at The Masters, having possibly aided the Northern Irishman in securing Grand Slam victory last year. Following wins in his last two LIV Golf League starts, DeChambeau is among the favorites to contend for his third major title this week, a year after losing a final-round duel with McIlroy at Augusta National. McIlroy had squandered a two-shot lead on the first hole of a roller-coaster Sunday, where DeChambeau briefly took the lead before fading to a tied-fifth finish after a final-round 75. DeChambeau had previously snatched US Open victory from McIlroy at Pinehurst No 2 and mocked McIlroy's final-round collapse ahead of 'The Match' showdown, stating, 'You kind of did it to yourself.' McIlroy responded by ending his 11-year wait for an elusive fifth major title at The Masters, where he played alongside DeChambeau on the final day. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes their rivalry was a positive factor in McIlroy's Grand Slam success, saying, 'There's no doubt that playing with Bryson in the last round last year helped him more than hurt him.' McGinley added that DeChambeau's comments about McIlroy's US Open collapse 'drove Rory into focus' and 'p***** him off,' which helped McIlroy win the Grand Slam. However, McGinley noted that McIlroy's intensity is not always consistent, and when he does bring that intensity, 'it makes him incredibly charismatic and very dangerous as a golfer.' DeChambeau has posted top-10 finishes in six of his last eight majors and sits second to Jon Rahm in this season's LIV Golf League individual standings after winning their last two events. McGinley thinks DeChambeau is 'trending towards' a major victory, but notes that his iron play needs to improve, particularly around Augusta. McIlroy, meanwhile, is looking to become the first player since Tiger Woods to successfully defend the Green Jacket, but his game has been affected by injury and he was forced to withdraw from last month's Arnold Palmer Invitational. McGinley admitted that McIlroy's game 'is off' and that it will be 'very difficult' for him to defend his title at Augusta.