Cameron Young explains cold Rory McIlroy treatment during awkward Masters final round

Callum Vurley
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:43:00 +0000

Rory McIlroy has etched his name alongside golf's most illustrious champions after claiming his second successive Masters title at Augusta National.

The Northern Irishman finished the tournament at 12-under par, holding off a determined field by a single stroke.

His victory places him in remarkably exclusive company. Only three players have previously managed to defend the green jacket: Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.

Scottie Scheffler came agonisingly close, finishing one shot adrift at 11-under.

The triumph marks McIlroy's sixth major championship overall, cementing his status among the game's elite performers.

Cameron Young, who entered the final round level with McIlroy at 11-under, has disclosed that the four-time major winner maintained his now-familiar approach of minimal conversation throughout their Sunday pairing.

"I'm not one to talk a ton to begin with and I don't think he really wanted to talk to me today," the American told reporters afterwards.

Young, however, harboured no grievances about McIlroy's demeanour.

"Sunday at the Masters in the final group - I don't wish anything poorly on the guy, but we're playing against each other. We're not trying to be best friends out there," he explained.

The 28-year-old American ultimately finished tied for third at 10-under.

McIlroy's taciturn approach on the final day has become something of a trademark at Augusta.

Last year, Bryson DeChambeau found himself on the receiving end of identical treatment when paired with the Northern Irishman for the decisive round.

The American appeared rather put out by the experience, telling journalists: "Didn't talk to me once all day."

When pressed on whether he had attempted to strike up conversation, DeChambeau responded curtly: "He wouldn't talk to me."

His frustration was palpable, adding: "He was just like – just being focused, I guess. It's not me, though."

McIlroy subsequently offered no apology for his conduct.

McIlroy has been unapologetic about his strategy, making clear it applies universally rather than being directed at any individual.

"I don't know what he was expecting," he remarked of DeChambeau following last year's triumph.

"We're trying to win the Masters. I'm not going to try to be his best mate out there."

The six-time major champion elaborated on his reasoning: "I was focused on myself and what I needed to do.

"That's really all that it was. It wasn't anything against him. It's just I felt that's what I needed to do to try to get the best out of myself that day."

The results speak for themselves.