DeChambeau Gains Momentum for Masters, But Did He Contribute to McIlroy's Grand Slam?

Bryson DeChambeau is in top form as he attempts to deny Rory McIlroy a successful title defense at The Masters, having potentially played a role in the Northern Irishman's Grand Slam victory last year. DeChambeau has secured back-to-back LIV Golf League wins and is among the favorites to challenge 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 dramatic Sunday, where DeChambeau briefly took the lead before finishing tied for fifth with a final-round 75. DeChambeau had previously snatched US Open victory from McIlroy at Pinehurst No 2 and mocked the Northern Irishman's final-round collapse, saying, 'You kind of did it to yourself.' McIlroy responded by ending his 11-year wait for a 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, stating, '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 'logged' with the Northern Irishman and drove him to focus, ultimately contributing to his Grand Slam win. DeChambeau has posted top-10 finishes in six of his last eight majors and sits second to Jon Rahm in the LIV Golf League individual standings after winning their last two events. 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, is looking to become the first player since Tiger Woods to successfully defend the Green Jacket, but his preparation has been disrupted by injury and a struggling title defense at The Players. McGinley admits that McIlroy's game is 'off' and that it will be difficult for him to defend his title, given the added pressure and distractions that come with being the defending champion.