Bryson vs. Rory: Final-Round Showdown Set at the Masters

Bryson DeChambeau is no stranger to chasing down Rory McIlroy on golf’s biggest stages — and on Sunday at the Masters, he’ll get another shot.

DeChambeau heads into the final round just two strokes behind McIlroy, setting up a dramatic finish at Augusta National. The two will tee off together in the final pairing after an electric Saturday that saw both stars flash brilliance down the stretch.

The reigning U.S. Open champion capped his third round with a massive highlight — draining a nearly 50-foot birdie putt from just off the 18th green to post a 3-under 69. That clutch finish not only drew roars from the gallery, but also secured DeChambeau a coveted spot alongside McIlroy for the final round.

“Those last few holes, I just kept telling myself, ‘Get in that final group. Just execute,’” said DeChambeau, who’s now carded three straight rounds in the 60s. “I made a beautiful putt to finish it off — that was cool.”

This isn’t the first time DeChambeau has been in this spot. At last year’s U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2, he found himself chasing McIlroy late in the final round. Back then, he held his nerve as McIlroy faltered, missing two short putts and bogeying three of the final four holes. DeChambeau’s memorable up-and-down from the bunker at 18 clinched the title by a single shot.

Now, they’re back at it.

Their paths briefly crossed during Saturday’s third round. DeChambeau made birdie at the par-5 15th with a slick up-and-down from behind the green, just as McIlroy was striking a beautiful tee shot into the par-3 16th. McIlroy would miss the birdie putt, settling for par.

While it wasn’t a full-on showdown yet, the moment offered a glimpse of what Sunday might bring.

“It’s always important in a major to be in the final group,” DeChambeau said. “But knowing it’s Rory? That just makes it more fun. We’re going to have a great battle tomorrow.”

McIlroy, 35, is chasing his long-awaited career Grand Slam — and after a blistering start Saturday, he looked every bit the part. He went 5-under through the first five holes, surged into the lead, and then regrouped after a couple of stumbles to eagle the 15th and close with a round of 66.

The crowd let him hear it with a standing ovation as he walked off 18. McIlroy is sitting at 12 under, two shots clear of DeChambeau.

DeChambeau’s path to contention hasn’t been flawless — but it’s been gritty. He birdied two of his first three holes Saturday, then gave one back with a bogey on No. 4. He bounced back with a birdie at No. 6 but found more trouble in the bunkers at No. 9. Still, he kept grinding.

That persistence is classic DeChambeau — the data-driven player known as “The Scientist” who never stops tinkering. After his opening-round 69, unhappy with his ball-striking, he stayed on the range under the floodlights long after the course emptied. The extra reps paid off with a 68 on Friday and another under-par round Saturday.

“I love the challenge of chasing,” he said. “You can’t let up. You have to hit every shot with full focus. Leading feels different — I’ve done that too — but tomorrow, it’s going to be about going for it.”

One year ago, DeChambeau also found himself in the mix at Augusta, but a Saturday 75 knocked him out of contention. He eventually tied for sixth.

This year, he’s right where he wants to be — in the final group, two shots back, and chasing a rival he’s already proven he can beat.

All eyes are now on Augusta’s fairways. With McIlroy gunning for history and DeChambeau playing with purpose, Sunday’s finale promises to be one for the ages.