Rory McIlroy reveals untold Bryson DeChambeau moment from 2025 Masters final round

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Rory McIlroy is preparing to defend his Masters title, with Augusta now just two weeks away.

The Northern Irishman produced a memorable performance to win the 2025 tournament, edging out Bryson DeChambeau in a dramatic final round.

Now, new details have emerged from that Sunday battle — including a previously untold moment between the two rivals.

Rory McIlroy tells Bryson DeChambeau story from 2025 Masters

McIlroy explained how a small but telling exchange took place on the ninth hole, with both players facing short birdie putts.

There was some uncertainty over whose turn it was to putt, with DeChambeau suggesting a casual solution.

McIlroy explained: “He goes ‘Well, why don’t we just throw a tee up for it to see who goes first?’

“And I’m like ‘No, this is the final round of the Masters. This isn’t some game on a Tuesday afternoon somewhere.’ I’m like ‘No.’ I wasn’t gonna wilt in that situation. I was just gonna stand firm.

“So I said, ‘There’s a referee there. Why don’t we get him to come up and measure?’ And he said, ‘No, it’s fine. You can go anyway. I don’t care.’ I just felt like that was a really big moment.”

McIlroy ultimately took control of the moment, stepping up first and holing his putt, while DeChambeau missed.

It was a small detail, but one that highlighted the intensity and mental battle between the pair at Augusta.

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau rivalry adds edge ahead of 2026 Masters

The exchange also offers further insight into the dynamic between McIlroy and DeChambeau.

After the round, DeChambeau admitted the lack of interaction had stood out to him.

“No idea. Didn’t talk to me once all day,” he said. “[The atmosphere] was electric. I loved it. But he was just like… just being focused, I guess. It’s not me, though.”

When asked if he tried to engage, he added: “He wouldn’t talk to me.”

The rivalry between the two has grown in recent years, particularly after DeChambeau beat McIlroy at the 2024 US Open.

Now, with McIlroy returning to Augusta as defending champion and DeChambeau again among the contenders, that tension could once again come to the fore.