The Masters 2026: Bryson DeChambeau 'trending' for Augusta National but did he help Rory McIlroy to Grand Slam glory?

Bryson DeChambeau arrives as the form player trying to deny Rory McIlroy a successful title defence at The Masters, having ‘helped’ the Northern Irishman close out Grand Slam glory last year.

DeChambeau has won his last two LIV Golf League starts and is among the favourites to challenge for a third major title this week, 12 months on from losing a final-round duel with McIlroy at Augusta National.

McIlroy had blown a two-shot lead on the first hole of a roller-coaster Sunday, where DeChambeau briefly moved top of the leaderboard before fading to a tied-fifth finish after a final-round 75.

DeChambeau snatched US Open victory from McIlroy at Pinehurst No 2 the previous June and mocked the Northern Irishman's final-round collapse ahead of 'The Match' showdown later that year, saying: "You kind of did it [collapse] to yourself."

McIlroy responded by ending his 11-year wait for an elusive fifth major title at The Masters, where he played alongside the American on the final day, with former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believing their rivalry was a positive factor in closing out Grand Slam success.