With 44 bunkers scattered across the course, deep preparation is a must, but moving day at the Masters did not disappoint. While several golfers went topsy-turvy during the day’s proceedings at the Augusta National Golf Club, one tee pairing stood out. The Rory McIlroy – Bryson DeChambeau group was undoubtedly the star of day 3 as both golfers swung the club excellently, with the Northern Irish golfer edging ahead of his American counterpart by two strokes at the end of the day.
DeChambeau, in particular, has been a model of consistency at Augusta this year, with scores of 69, 68, and 69 and the 72-par course. Now he stands at the precipice of his first potential Masters victory, two strokes off the lead and a fighting McIlroy ahead of him to contend against. The two-time US Open winner will be looking to get into the best frame of mind heading to a crucial Sunday at Georgia.
After what was an exciting last round, Bryson DeChambeau talked to the press about his preparation going into the last day of proceedings at Augusta. “Yeah. I mean, for me, it’s going to be practicing a little bit before it gets dark. Eating. Looking at my phone. I don’t have a problem with that.” The 31-year-old explained his process candidly.
A gift for golf fans everywhere.
Rory McIlroy . Bryson DeChambeau for the first time ever at a major.
The final grouping is set for Sunday at The Masters. Who you got? pic.twitter.com/qIvVghnc45
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) April 12, 2025
He will also be looking to maintain his body fit for the next 18 rounds of golf. The LIV Golfer will also look to recalibrate himself mentally with a movie, and his choice is quite special. “And just getting treatment on my body. Relaxing as much as possible. Watching a movie, probably, tonight. A fun movie. I don’t know, what’s tonight — oh, it will probably be a James Bond movie or something like that. That will be fun. I love James Bond movies.”
Bryson DeChambeau’s mode of preparation will likely appeal more to the younger generation and is very contrasting compared to what Rory McIlroy has planned for wearing one of the most beautiful jackets.
Rory McIlroy chooses silence over scrolls
Rory McIlroy is in a more serene and calm preparatory mode. Having already been in this situation once in 2011, when he was leading the pack after day 3, the Northern Irish golfer knows clearly what works and what doesn’t. “I’ll have some dinner. Maybe try to make it through the second episode of the third season of “Bridgerton.” Fell asleep during episode 1 last night. And that’s it.”
The key difference between the duo’s preparation will be a cell phone. McIlroy prefers not to use his. The 4-time Major winner explained the process, stating, “Yeah, sort of put the phone away. Don’t look at it. Try not to look at it until tomorrow night.” Despite only a four-year age difference, there seems to be a generation gap between the duo. DeChambeau is quite handy with the generational concepts of social media, especially considering he has a very famous YouTube channel.
Players aren’t the only ones avoiding phones. The event itself has taken the idea up a notch. The Masters’ strict no-cellphone policy offers a refreshing break from the digital noise, inviting attendees to fully immerse themselves in the magic of Augusta. It sparks genuine face-to-face connections and lets fans soak in every moment of the tournament without distractions—truly an old-school, immersive experience.
But, back to the two golfers, with their completely different approaches, there is a common ground between them. British TV. While DeChambeau is going to be on the edge of his seat, thanks to his choice of a thriller movie, McIlroy will be more pensive and in thought with the romantic show.
With preparations all jotted down, who do you have winning their first major at Augusta amongst the duo? Are you Team Bryson or Team Rory? The duo is set to tee off together yet again tomorrow at 2:30 PM Eastern Time.
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