One of the biggest surprises on Sunday at The Masters came from Bryson DeChambeau, with the LIV Golf star failing to get going at Augusta National and seeing his challenge end at the start of the back nine.
It appeared to be the dream showdown heading into Sunday at The Masters. Rory McIlroy led by two from Bryson DeChambeau, who in turn was two clear of anyone else. Of course, it was impossible not to think back to what had taken place at Pinehurst last year.
McIlroy was also dealing with an unprecedented level of expectation. He has had one chance to complete the career grand slam each year since 2014, and he had blown his previous 10 attempts. DeChambeau meanwhile, registered by far his best finish at The Masters in 2024.
DeChambeau did take the lead on the second hole. However, that would prove to be his final birdie until the 14th. Ultimately, he had settle for fifth place after posting a 75 on Sunday.
Bryson DeChambeau criticised after the final round of The Masters
Much of the talk surrounding DeChambeau after The Masters concerned his comments about his playing partner. DeChambeau seemed annoyed McIlroy did not speak to him during the round.
And that has seen the 31-year-old come in for criticism. Speaking on The Wagyu Filet Show, Johnson Wagner suggested that it was a really bad look for DeChambeau to even mention the lack of interaction between the two.
“I am going to start and I am just going to go ahead and say it, I thought the fact that he mentioned that Rory didn’t even talk to me in a post round interview or press conference was weak. I think that was a weak move. I think it was a cry baby, you were in the moment, you have endeared yourself for fans,” he said.
“You weren’t there for the last nine holes but you tried. Clearly he did not have his best stuff. Grinding on the range on Saturday night until the dark and they had the lights out there. I think it speaks to the fact that these LIV guys, they are not prepared for The Masters. They play a handful of LIV events coming in but they have not been tested. They haven’t had to go through any sort of gauntlet in terms of competitive environment. I don’t think they have played enough and leading into the first major, they haven’t been tested enough mentally or physically in their golf game.”
What DeChambeau thought after Rory McIlroy found the water on 13 at Augusta
In fairness to DeChambeau, he has every right to be upset after letting such a brilliant opportunity pass him by. If he had the time again, perhaps he would make it clear that his frustration was not with McIlroy’s conduct, but rather his own score.
He showed a lot more support for the 35-year-old when asked about the shot which saw McIlroy find the water on 13.
“I wanted to cry for him. I mean, as a professional, you just know to hit it in the middle of the green, and I can’t believe he went for it, or must have just flared it,” he said.
“But I’ve hit bad shots in my career, too, and it happens. When you’re trying to win a major championship, especially out here, Sunday of Augusta, the Masters, you have to just do it and get the job done and do it right. There were times where it looked like he had full control and at times where it’s like, what’s going on. Kind of looked like one of my rounds, actually.”
DeChambeau also praised McIlroy on social media following the event. So those comments about not speaking to each other are unlikely to lead to some kind of feud between the two.
But clearly, DeChambeau still has plenty to learn despite already becoming one of the best players on the planet.
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