Given that so many people went into the final round without being able to call whether it was more likely to be Rory McIlroy or Bryson DeChambeau who won The Masters this past week, it was undoubtedly a huge shock to see the latter fall well out of contention before the final few holes at Augusta National.
Bryson DeChambeau seems to be edging closer and closer to winning The Masters. The LIV Golf star has now registered two top 10s in a row at the first major of the year, having previously never finished inside the top 20.
But for the second year running, the 31-year-old was unable to find that extra gear which he needed on Sunday to really challenge for that green jacket.
DeChambeau was four over par for the day by the time he got to the 13th tee, and he ended up finishing in a tie for fifth on seven under par.
Bryson DeChambeau posts on social media and sends a message to Rory McIlroy after the final round at The Masters
He had been electric off the tee and produced some stunning shots around the greens. But DeChambeau’s iron play seemed to really cost him across the week. He lost more than five shots to the field with his approach game over the final three days.
Of course, so much of the attention is now on Rory McIlroy after he sealed the career grand slam. The Northern Irishman needed to beat Justin Rose in a playoff to get across the line.
And DeChambeau has now sent a classy message to McIlroy on social media, while insisting that he is convinced that he will join him as a champion at Augusta National at some stage in the future.
He wrote: “It was a battle all week, and even without my best stuff, I proved to myself that I have the ability to win this tournament one day. It’s tough, but moments like this have taught me a lot and now I’m more motivated than ever to get back to work. Thank you all for the unwavering support this week! We will be back.
“Huge congratulations to Rory on an incredible achievement in completing the career Grand Slam of golf. He deserved to get this one.”
What cost DeChambeau a chance at Masters glory
It is frightening to think that DeChambeau came so close to winning when he was so poor once he was off the tee.
Augusta National is traditionally known for being a second shot golf course. And while there are other skills which are required to master the Georgia pines, having a flawless iron game will clearly get you a long way.
| Round | Bryson DeChambeau’s strokes gained approach |
| One | +1.43 |
| Two | -0.78 |
| Three | -1.83 |
| Four | -2.40 |
Had he managed to just perform at an average level over the final three days, DeChambeau would have theoretically finished one shot clear of McIlroy and Rose.
That should give the rest of the field plenty to ponder ahead of the remaining three majors of the year.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
