Justin Thomas makes feelings clear on awkward Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau scenes

Justin Thomas has downplayed any notion of animosity between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau during the thrilling final round of the Masters, explaining that minimal interaction is typical among players in such high-stakes moments.

McIlroy, at 35, finally clinched his elusive Masters title and sealed the career Grand Slam at Augusta, showing unwavering focus to edge out Justin Rose in a thrilling playoff.

Golf fans around the globe were captivated as McIlroy ended his prolonged major championship drought during a rollercoaster final round. Still, DeChambeau wasn't overly happy with McIlroy's lack of engagement during their pivotal final round pairing, claiming the Northern Irishman did not once speak with him.

Thomas discussed DeChambeau's comments on the podcast. When quizzed about whether golfers chat during rounds or concentrate solely on their game, he clarified: "They do (their own thing), especially when it is a twosome."

"I think when it is a threesome, it's way slower and it's different. Like, you have way more time to wait and you just happen to talk more.

"When it is a twosome, there are times where, someone hits it this way and someone hits it the other way and you're going your separate way with your caddie.

"Also, I'm not really out there to have a big conversation - you'll catch up here and there. But I'd say that's pretty normal amongst everybody that we're just out there, trying to take care of business."

DeChambeau expressed admiration for McIlroy's performance but seemed slightly irked by the Northern Irishman's silence during their round. Post-round, when probed about McIlroy's mood after his victory, DeChambeau responded: "No idea. [McIlroy] Didn't talk to me once all day. He wouldn't talk to me."

However, the American golfer later clarified his comments, insisting there was no ill-feeling on his part towards McIlroy. Speaking to Athlon Sports, he explained: "He was just being stoic the whole day; there was nothing more. I was like, he just didn't talk to me.

"It wasn't a slight; there's no beef or anything. It was like what Tiger [Woods] did to Tony [Finau, in 2019]. It's the same combo, but it wasn't meant to be in a bad way, and that's how things happen. I wish people would not interpret things, but, you know, people will do that."

Commenting on McIlroy's triumph, DeChambeau added: "He deserved this one. He fought his butt off and absolutely did what he needed to do to win.

"The tournament was a rollercoaster for all involved. It looks scary sometimes, but it was a rollercoaster for everybody. And, you know, we gave everybody a rollercoaster last year at the US Open.

"He did it this year at the Masters. So, it was fun to be a part of history."

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