DeChambeau on Track for Masters Victory, But Did He Assist McIlroy in Achieving Grand Slam?

Bryson DeChambeau enters The Masters as the in-form golfer, seeking to prevent Rory McIlroy from successfully defending his title. DeChambeau has won his last two LIV Golf League events and is among the favorites to challenge for his third major title, a year after losing to McIlroy at Augusta National. McIlroy had previously blown a two-shot lead on the first hole of the final round, while DeChambeau briefly took the lead before finishing tied for fifth. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes that playing alongside DeChambeau in the final round helped McIlroy achieve Grand Slam success, as their rivalry pushed McIlroy to focus and perform at his best. DeChambeau has posted top-10 finishes in six of his last eight majors and sits second 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. Meanwhile, McIlroy is looking to become the first player since Tiger Woods to successfully defend the Green Jacket, but his game has been affected by an injury and he may struggle to repeat his performance from last year.