Rory McIlroy is 18 holes away from potentially etching his name in golfing history by becoming just the sixth man to ever complete the career grand slam, but he’s surprisingly chilled about the whole occasion, it seems.
Golf fans have been delighted to see Rory McIlroy leading the way at The Masters at the end of day three at Augusta, but there is still a long way to go for the much-fancied Northern Irishman.
McIlroy is typically strong when leading at a major tournament, but with Bryson DeChambeau breathing down his neck just two strokes behind, it’s anyone’s guess which way this thrilling competition will go this year.
In many ways, this is McIlroy’s to lose, but DeChambeau’s form going into the final day will be a concern. So, how will the tournament leader prepare for this career-defining round?
What Rory McIlroy did on the morning of The Masters final day
Speaking to Amanda Balionis for Sky Sports ahead of the final day at The Masters, McIlroy was asked what his Sunday morning routine looked like, and it sounded surprisingly relaxed considering he’s on the verge of putting his name in the history books.
He said: “Fortunately Sundays are good for sports; I watched Carlos Alcaraz in the tennis, watched some soccer, some F1, I kept myself distracted with other sports.
“You’re trying to get time in, but when you get to the course, things settle down and you get going, you do what’s familiar. It’s comforting. I’m just trying to go through my strategy and keep up with what I’ve done the last three days.”
As for his mindset ahead of the fourth and final round here at Augusta National, McIlroy insisted he is not thinking about anything or anyone else, with all his focus on the circumstances he can influence himself.
“I’m obviously not expecting anything,” he added. “The only thing I can do is control what’s in front of me, and that starts with the first tee shot… if I can control those moments I’ll be in a good position.”
We know McIlroy plans to get below the hole more often so he can be more aggressive with his putting on the final day, but aside from that, it sounds like he will just try to retain that momentum he has gained over the last two outings this weekend.
Rory McIlroy has to ignore outside noise and get over the line
McIlroy’s past collapses have often been down to his mentality on the final day, but it does feel like we are seeing a very different player to the one who has choked at major moments in the last few years.
He’s clearly a calmer, more focused man now. But, he will have to ensure he doesn’t let the pressure of fans, pundits, and indeed himself, distract him from the task at hand now.
DeChambeau’s past comments on McIlroy tell their own story, and the relationship between the two could make for a very interesting pairing out there on the decisive day. Whether McIlroy can ignore the big personality opposite him on the course will be key to the final outcome.
Butch Harmon advised McIlroy to relax and play the golf he knows he is capable of if he wants to secure the green jacket. If he can do that, it should be a momentous day for McIlroy and the world of golf.
Bryson DeChambeau’s preparation before final day was very different
While McIlroy may be keeping his head screwed on and taking a more sensible approach to preparing for the final day, DeChambeau has been going through a very different routine.
According to Colt Knost, DeChambeau decided to go for a walk around the Augusta area last night after his impressive round, and ended up finding a group of fans using a putting green in their garden. DeChambeau clearly fancied some extra practice, as he joined in with them for an hour.
It fits the very personable and interactive approach DeChambeau has adopted over the last couple of years that has made him a firm favourite among golf fans.
We know DeChambeau has been speaking to the patrons at Augusta already, but spending time with them away from the course is certainly a new one.
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