“There are a lot of people who don’t care for it,” said Justin Thomas in his letter to the PGA Tour, where he emphasized the importance of fan interactions. While many golfers on the tour value fan interactions and actively participate in them, others don’t share the same enthusiasm. However, it’s almost funny how one LIV superstar is widely known for his fan interactions, as he often engages with his audience. Yes, we are talking about none other than Bryson DeChambeau.

But what motivates the golfer to do the same? Well, quite a lot of things. DeChambeau recently told his side of the story regarding his recent fan interactions at LIV games and the Masters. Speaking on the recent presser at the LIV Golf Korea, he addressed his interactions with fans, particularly highlighting his philosophy behind engaging with them. “I genuinely care about the game of golf and growing it globally and inspiring a bunch of people and kids, especially kids, to play this great game,” DeChambeau said. He believes it’s his duty as a professional golfer and “a bit of an entertainer” to interact with fans authentically.

When asked about the contrast between his fan interactions and Rory McIlroy’s more reserved approach, DeChambeau diplomatically sidestepped the comparison, saying, “I can only speak for myself. I can’t speak for Rory.” Well, fan interactions were technically not Rory McIlroy’s priority at the Masters anyway. During the final round, DeChambeau himself had noted that McIlroy didn’t speak to him once, saying, “Didn’t talk to me once all day”. And well, it did pay off, but still the LIV golfer believes that it is his ‘responsibility’ to interact with fans and golfers on the course.

Well, DeChambeau did prove his words at the Masters when he decided to take a late-night stroll around Augusta, visiting local resident Paul Perman’s house, which boasted a world-class putting green that caught DeChambeau’s eye. According to Perman’s wife, Michele, DeChambeau was “sweet” and polite, complimenting Perman on his putting green’s unique gradations. However, fans are still questioning the authenticity of DeChambeau’s actions, suggesting he’s doing it for the camera.

“I think it’s my responsibility to do so,” DeChambeau emphasized. “I’ll continue to keep doing that because that’s what I believe in.” The golfer’s words suggest that he remains committed to being true to himself and his audience, believing this connection is crucial for the game’s growth and fan engagement, and McIlroy agrees.

Well, how much Rory McIlroy values the support he gets was full on display at the 2024 Irish Open. “The support the Irish players receive is unmatched,” McIlroy said, recalling the unforgettable scenes at Royal County Down last year where he narrowly missed out on the title. “Playing in the Irish Open in front of your home fans is always a special experience,” McIlroy added.

Now, while McIlroy may agree with the fan engagement part, he is not very big on talking to anyone during serious games. Don’t believe us? Hear from the golfer himself!

Rory McIlroy was in his ‘own world’ during the Masters’ last round

The 2025 Masters was more than just a golf tournament – it was a clash of minds between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy. DeChambeau’s over-the-top celebration after sinking a birdie putt on the 16th hole during the third round had everyone buzzing. Was it just a moment of triumph, or a clever ploy to rattle McIlroy? Whatever the intention, McIlroy wasn’t biting. As he later revealed on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, he had a plan to stay focused: “I’m not going to look at what my playing partner’s doing. I’m not going to look at the leaderboard. I’m literally going to try to get into my own world.” It was a mental fortress, and McIlroy was determined to stay inside.

McIlroy’s steely resolve was forged in the fire of past disappointments. He still remembers the 2011 Masters, where he felt like he lost his grip on the tournament by getting distracted by other players. “I felt like I lost the Masters in 2011 because I started to look around. I started to look at what the other guys on the course were doing.” This time around, McIlroy was having none of that. He set a simple yet daunting goal for himself: “If I shoot four under par today, I’m going to win the Masters.” And even when his round got rocky, with a double bogey on the first hole, McIlroy stayed laser-focused on his target. The result? A phenomenal performance that earned him the green jacket. Meanwhile, DeChambeau’s game fell apart, with four bogeys and a double bogey, leaving him at T5.

So, do you also think McIlroy’s silent treatment worked for him during the first major of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!