Rory McIlroy’s sports psychologist Bob Rotella divulged the secret strategy that helped propel the Northern Irishman to victory at the Masters . On Sunday, McIlroy narrowly fended off Justin Rose in a sudden death playoff at Hole 18 of Augusta National to emerge victorious in his 11th attempt at completing the career Grand Slam - a feat that only Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods have accomplished in the Masters era. Part of McIlroy’s success can be attributed to his handy yardage book, which he routinely turned to before swings.
While most player’s books feature maps or diagrams of each hole on the course, Rotella revealed that the 35-year-old’s additionally included important tips and tricks he garnered from their talks. "We would have a chat every day before the round, and he would make some notes, and every couple of holes, he would take a look around to remind yourself. That's what he was looking at," Rotella told BBC Radio 4's Today.
While the major ultimately came down to a faceoff between McIlroy and Rose , the former was engaged in a head-to-head battle with Bryson DeChambeau for much of the afternoon. After beginning the final round two shots behind his partner, the American briefly assumed the lead thanks to a birdie on Hole 2 - but was eventually forced to settle for a T-5 finish . Speaking to reporters - including the Mirror U.
S. Sports - on the heels of McIlroy’s victory, DeChambeau divulged that he and McIlroy shared .
