Harrington Attributes DeChambeau’s “Ego” to Masters Collapse
Pádraig Harrington has delivered a critical analysis of Bryson DeChambeau’s final round at the Masters Tournament, suggesting that the American golfer’s “ego” played a pivotal role in a strategic shift that ultimately cost him a chance at victory, as he finished tied for fifth, four strokes behind Rory McIlroy.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s 1 Today with Claire Byrne, the Dubliner expressed astonishment at DeChambeau’s decision to lay up on the third hole, despite possessing the power to drive the green and potentially take a one-shot lead. “What was he thinking on the third hole?” Harrington questioned. “Bryson has made his game by being a long hitter. He stands up on the third hole with a one-shot lead, possibly can drive the green, he lays up makes bogey; Rory drives it, hits driver up to the near the edge of the green and makes his birdie.”
Harrington described the sequence of events as “the most bizarre change of personality I’ve ever seen in the game of golf right there in that moment…it was beyond bizarre what he did off the tee, for him in his personality.” He emphasized that DeChambeau’s decision to alter his approach stemmed from an overreliance on his prodigious driving ability, effectively ceding momentum to McIlroy. “He has different skills but his ego has gone down this road of being a long hitter and he had a chance right there on the third hole, stand up there, burst one down there, it’s a big enough area and he just gave all the momentum back to Rory.”
Adding fuel to the debate, DeChambeau later appeared to take issue with McIlroy’s lack of engagement during the round, stating, “No idea. Didn’t talk to me once all day.” Harrington found this response perplexing, noting that it’s a common occurrence for playing partners not to converse extensively. “Bryson seems to be a little bit upset that Rory didn’t talk to him on the golf course which is bizarre because plenty of times your playing partner wouldn’t say a word to you.”
While McIlroy celebrated his first major championship, securing the grand slam, Harrington highlighted the golfer’s ability to perform under pressure, even when not operating at his usual best. “You know what, it’s possible that Rory would not have been familiar with that,” Harrington acknowledged. “He’s normally the best player and he’s not a person that has to stress in that situation, have that enormity of pressure. If I was in that situation, I’d been nervous all the way through, I would have been so nervous, nervous, nervous that it would just be another nervous shot. Whereas Rory, that would have been a huge surge of nervousness for him considering a lot of tournaments he wins, he doesn’t stroll away with them but he’s comfortable.”
McIlroy’s success, marked by 44 professional wins with a significant majority achieved by one stroke or more, is a testament to his consistent excellence. Harrington believes this ability to maintain composure, even when facing immense pressure, will enable McIlroy to continue achieving significant success. “Right now, for him, it’s to enjoy the moment and enjoy this and savour it and not worry about the future. The great thing for Rory, he has a very strong future-proof game so he will be around for a good few more years. He definitely could keep stretching away with majors.”
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Did you know? Mentally tough golfers often visualize success and maintain a positive attitude, preparing themselves for challenging situations and bolstering confidence during crucial moments.
Pro Tip: Strategic play isn’t always about power. Analyzing course conditions, considering risk-reward scenarios, and adapting to the situation are equally important factors for success.
Call to Action: Share your thoughts on DeChambeau’s decision in the comments below! What do you think influenced his strategic shift?