TV cameras captured Rory McIlroy and Amanda Balionis watching on intently as Bryson DeChambeau sunk his incredible final shot of the third round at the Masters. The pair were filmed standing together before their interview on CBS Sports.
This came after McIlroy’s remarkable round, which saw him make history as the first player to start a Masters round with six consecutive threes. This ultimately propelled him to the top of the Masters leaderboard going into the final round, but DeChambeau was hot on McIlroy’s heels, finishing only two shots behind the PGA Tour star.
As DeChambeau concluded his round, McIlroy and Balionis watched closely to see how the LIV Golf star would perform on the final hole, particularly as he nailed three birdies in the last four holes. The pair was spotted smiling as they observed DeChambeau’s putt on the 18th hole, in what was a tough moment to swallow for McIlroy, who must have thought he was nailed on to go into the fourth day with at least a three-shot lead.
Their reaction was broadcast on Sky’s coverage at Augusta, showing McIlroy’s response as he witnessed DeChambeau’s final shot of the day, which ultimately narrowed his lead. After DeChambeau sank the birdie, Balionis discussed McIlroy’s outstanding round and how it laid the groundwork for a successful day.
“I got off to the best start, and then you’re trying to keep it going and it’s a little difficult. The course got pretty tricky there towards the end, especially the greens got a little firmer.
“Felt like I was leaving myself above the hole every single green so I couldn’t really run putts at the hole. A little wobble round the turn there then I played a great solid back-9 and obviously the two par 5s helped.”
After his round, McIlroy told CBS Sports reporter Balionis that the huge crowd support at Augusta had helped boost his performance.
“Going onto the sixth tee I was just trying to make a three to keep that three streak going. I sort of knew what I was doing,” McIlroy explained.
“I hit a great second shot here out of the first cut to get it to the back of the green and that was a really key up and down for me.”
As they discussed the day’s events, Balionis brought up the prospect of a rematch between McIlroy and DeChambeau on Sunday. McIlroy previously saw a lead slip away under DeChambeau’s pressure during the 2024 US Open.
With the potential to become only the sixth golfer to achieve the Grand Slam, McIlroy is approaching the game with a simple strategy to avoid overthinking.
“There’s a few other people on that leaderboard that could make a run so I just have to do what I’ve been doing as I sort of surround myself in my own little cocoon and just get into my own little bubble,” he explained. “He’ll do what he does and I just have to stay firm and just stay in my own little world.”
DeChambeau offered a more straightforward perspective on the rematch, saying: “Well, first off, it’s going to take a lot of patience to get it done. Second off, couldn’t ask for anything more.”
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