DeChambeau on the Rise for Masters, but Did He Fuel McIlroy's Grand Slam Victory?

Bryson DeChambeau is in top form as he attempts to thwart Rory McIlroy's title defense at The Masters, having potentially played a role in the Northern Irishman's Grand Slam win last year. DeChambeau has secured back-to-back LIV Golf League victories and is a strong contender for his third major title, following his loss to McIlroy at Augusta National 12 months ago. McIlroy had squandered a two-shot lead on the first hole of a dramatic Sunday, where DeChambeau briefly took the lead before finishing tied for fifth with a final-round 75. The American had previously snatched the US Open title from McIlroy at Pinehurst No 2, and later mocked McIlroy's final-round collapse, stating, 'You kind of did it to yourself.' McIlroy went on to end his 11-year wait for a fifth major title at The Masters, playing 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. McGinley noted, 'There's no doubt that playing with Bryson in the last round last year helped McIlroy more than hurt him.' He attributed this to DeChambeau's comments about McIlroy's US Open collapse, which McGinley believes drove McIlroy to focus and win the Grand Slam. McGinley stated, 'Bryson really did him a favor because he forced him into focus - he p***** him off and got him in the mindset he needs to get in.' DeChambeau has achieved top-10 finishes in six of his last eight majors and is second to Jon Rahm in the LIV Golf League individual standings. McGinley thinks DeChambeau is trending towards a major victory, but notes that he needs to improve his iron play to succeed at Augusta National. McIlroy, meanwhile, aims to become the first player since Tiger Woods to successfully defend the Green Jacket, despite struggling with injury and form in recent tournaments. McGinley admitted, 'I think McIlroy's game is off, to be honest. I don't think he's primed the way he was this time last year.'