Why Bryson DeChambeau would outshine Rory McIlroy as a Masters Champion
Bryson DeChambeau is the Arnold Palmer of this generation of golfers and he would be a great Masters Champion.
As the sun dipped low over Augusta National on Saturday, the 3rd round of the Masters painted a vivid picture of 2 giants of golf. Bryson DeChambeau strode off the 18th green with a spring in his step, having just sunk a 48-foot birdie putt from the fringe. The crowd erupted, and Bryson fed off their energy, high-fiving patrons left and right on his way off of the 18th green to sign his scorecard. He was a man reveling in the moment, already charging toward the practice range with five bags of balls, ready to keep the magic alive. Moments earlier, Rory McIlroy, finishing his own stellar round of 66, walked off with a more reserved demeanor and gave the fans his “Rory smirk” during his walk to the clubhouse. Despite a historic start and a two-shot lead, his focus was inward—nodding politely to the supportive Augusta crowd but avoiding lingering interactions, as if shielding himself from the weight of Sunday’s stakes. These contrasting exits set the stage for why Bryson, with his unbridled joy and fan-first spirit, would a better Masters champion than Rory.
Bryson
Bryson DeChambeau plays golf like a kid in a candy store, with his first video game, or a new puppy— brimming with excitement. His nickname, “The Scientist,” isn’t just about his analytical approach; it’s about his curiosity and willingness to push boundaries. Whether he’s bulking up to bomb drives, tinkering with single-length irons, or geeking out over physics, Bryson’s love for the game is palpable. At the 2020 U.S. Open (his 1st major championship win), he attacked Winged Foot with a grin, relishing every monster drive but still a bit unsure of who he is…
Rory
Someone needs to figurately punch Rory in the face and tell him to have fun.
Rory McIlroy often carries a heavier, more arrogant vibe. Rory’s game is poetic, no doubt, with a swing that’s pure art. But his intensity and what happens between his ears feels like a burden for both he and the fans, especially when chasing that elusive green jacket. His collapses—like the 2011 Masters meltdown or the 2023 near-miss—seem to weigh on him, dimming the spark. Rory plays with purpose and drive, but the fans want to see him enjoy golf, not just play it.
Fan Treatment
Palmer, Trevino, Tiger…. Bryson… Not all of these guys were the best player of their generation but they grew the game because of the way there interacted with the fans. “Arnie’s Army,” “Lee’s Fleas,” not sure what Tiger’s crew is called, but maybe Bryson could be “The Bryson Brigade” or “Bryson’s B*&%^@s” (JK). Regardless of their name, it’s clear that Bryson DeChambeau is the Arnold Palmer of this generation of golfers.
Bryson’s gets it—golf thrives because of the folks in the gallery. At tournaments, he’s known for tossing balls to kids, high fiving everything, signing autographs with a smile, and even engaging in lighthearted banter. During the 2021 Ryder Cup, he hyped up the crowd, turning matches into a party. His LIV Golf stint only amplified this, as he embraced team formats and fan-friendly events like the “Party Hole” in Adelaide, where he soaked in the chaos and gave it right back.
Then there’s his YouTube channel, where Bryson invites fans into his world. From breaking 50 with Trump to trick-shot battles with Good Good, he’s not just a golfer—he’s a content creator who shares the game’s fun with millions. After his 2024 U.S. Open win, he let fans touch the trophy, a gesture that screamed, “This is for us.” That’s champion energy.
Rory, while respected, keeps fans at more of a distance. He’s gracious in interviews and mostly polite in crowds, but there’s less of that raw, personal connection. This past March, McIlroy Embarrassed Himself By Stealing Phone From Fan after the fan made a comment, “Just like the 2011 Masters,” that he did not appreciate.
Rory’s focus is inward—on legacy, on completing the Grand Slam, and on what people think about him—which can make him seem less accessible. Fans love and greatly respect Rory’s game, but they feel Bryson’s heart.
Why It Matters for the Masters
The Masters isn’t just a tournament; it’s a celebration of golf’s soul. Augusta National is golf! It demands skill, but its champions are remembered for how they embody the game’s spirit. If Bryson were to win a green jacket, you can bet he’d be fist-pumping down Magnolia Lane, high-fiving patrons, and maybe even somehow let a fan touch the green jacket “off campus.”
Rory’s quest for the Masters is a saga we all root for, and would be good for him, but not as good for the game at this moment for golf. A Rory win would be historic, but Bryson’s would be a festival—pure, unfiltered fun that’d echo through golf’s future.
unCommon Golf Sense
I was a golf pro for 10 years and worked at the Masters Tournament for 5 years, 2014-2018. During that time, I got the opportunity to meet almost every participating golfer whether it was taking their photo at Founders Circle, standing next to them under the clubhouse porch during a rain delay, or getting the privilege of shaking their hands as the made their way from the parking lot to the clubhouse. I have always thought that Rory McIlroy has one of the greatest games the golf world has ever seen. When Tiger tells his son (Charlie) to model Rory’s swing instead of his, nothing more needs to be said. When Rory made his breakout in the early 2010’s, it looked like he was going to win everything, instead of nothing else (majors). During the early times, he looked like he was having fun, now playing golf looks more like a job.
When Bryson got on tour, he looked uncomfortable, “weird", and from a fan’s perspective, it felt like he was battling against the game instead of playing his own; however, that has done a complete 180 over the past 3-5 years. Bryson looks like he is having more fun on the golf course that anyone else.
DeChambeau would not be a better Masters champion simply becuase of his scores; he’s better because he plays with joy and treats fans like they’re part of the ride. Rory McIlroy is a legend of the game, but his intensity can feel like a solo journey, and his legendary tales may be more wrapped up in the losses instead of the wins.
Regardless of the outcome, the 4th round of the 2025 Masters Tournament may be one of the most viewed rounds in the history of the game. It’s going to be a shared adventure and a battle, the kind storyline that Augusta National deserves.
If you want to chat about your thoughts on this topic, please send me an email dan@thrailkill.us or drop me a message using the button below. Would love to meet for coffee, a beer, a virtual conversation, or 9 holes!
Have a good one,
Dan