Bryson DeChambeau has clarified his comments after revealing that Rory McIlroy 'didn't talk to him once' during the final round of The Masters last weekend, insisting there's no bad blood between him and the world number two.
McIlroy, 35, was paired with DeChambeau for the final round at Augusta last Sunday as he sought his first Masters title to complete a career Grand Slam. He finally clinched victory in a play-off against Justin Rose, but not without a series of dramatic twists and turns on the final 18 holes of the tournament.
DeChambeau began the day in second place and briefly took the lead before falling back. When asked about McIlroy's demeanour during the final round, DeChambeau's response raised eyebrows: "No idea. [He] didn't talk to me once all day."
However, the LIV Golf star has since spoken to Athlon Sports to clarify that there is no suggestion of any animosity between the pair.
DeChambeau explained: "He was just being stoic the whole day; there was nothing more. I was like, he just didn't talk to me. It wasn't a slight; there's no beef or anything.", reports the Mirror.
"It was like what Tiger [Woods] did to Tony [Finau back in 2019]. It's the same combo, but it wasn't meant to be in a bad way, and that's how things happen. I wish people would not interpret things, but, you know, people will do that."
DeChambeau hailed McIlroy's performance at the Masters as the Co Down golfer bagged the much-awaited triumph that had slipped through his fingers for over a decade. Finishing tied for fifth, DeChambeau heaped praise on McIlroy, expressing his admiration: "He deserved this one; he fought his butt off and absolutely did what he needed to do to win," adding "It looks scary sometimes, but it was a roller coaster for everybody. And, you know, we gave everybody a roller coaster last year at the U.S. Open. He did it this year at the Masters. So, it was fun to be a part of history."
McIlroy opened up about his long journey to victory after sealing his first Masters win, which was a significant milestone in his illustrious career, enabling him to don the green jacket. Reflecting on the tournament's challenges, he said, "The last 10 years coming with the burden of Grand Slam on my shoulders and trying to achieve that. I wonder what we are all going to talk about coming into next year! I am so proud to be able to call myself a Masters champion."
He further shared his resilience during the competition: "All week I responded to setbacks and that's what I'll remember. I'm so proud of that and being able to bounce back. I would say it was 14 years in the making. Going out with a four-shot lead in 2011 and feeling like I could have got it done there. A lot of pent-up emotion came out on the 18th green."
"A moment like that makes all the years and all the close calls worth it. I want to say hello to mum and dad back in Northern Ireland. I can't wait to see them next week and can't wait to celebrate with them."
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