With the Ryder Cup set to ignite fierce competition at Bethpage Black this week, Rory McIlroy isn’t holding back when it comes to talking about his longtime rival, Bryson DeChambeau.
The two golfing stars will square off on opposite sides of the America vs. Europe showdown outside New York City, and McIlroy has already delivered a pointed comment to stir the pot.
McIlroy Takes a Swipe at DeChambeau
Speaking to the Guardian on Saturday, McIlroy suggested that DeChambeau thrives on mentioning others to grab attention.
“I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.
That is basically what I think of that. To get attention he will mention me or Scottie [Scheffler] or others,” the Northern Irish golfer said, igniting renewed chatter about their rivalry.
A Rivalry That’s Gotten Personal
While the two have had a friendly back-and-forth over the years, their relationship became more contentious after DeChambeau left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
McIlroy, who has been outspoken about keeping the PGA Tour intact, hasn’t shied away from expressing his views about the split, which has intensified the tension between the pair both in team competitions and individual events.
Key Moments in Their History
One of the most memorable clashes came during the final round of last year’s US Open at Pinehurst.
McIlroy’s late-stage collapse extended his major-less streak while handing the victory to DeChambeau.
Earlier this year at The Masters, the two were paired again, and DeChambeau claimed McIlroy refused to engage with him during the final 18 holes. “We’re trying to win the Masters.
I’m not going to try to be his best mate out there,” McIlroy shot back, keeping the rivalry very much alive.
Off the Course Encounters
The only time the pair has officially teamed up was during the filming of “Happy Gilmore 2,” where they played alongside Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, and Adam Sandler’s character.
Despite that lighthearted collaboration, their on-course dynamics suggest that this year’s Ryder Cup may be about more than just team pride.
Personal history, past defeats, and lingering tension all set the stage for a high-stakes showdown.
Ryder Cup Stakes and Spotlight
As the tournament approaches, fans can expect every shot to be loaded with competitive intensity.
McIlroy’s pre-tournament remarks signal that this Ryder Cup won’t just be about points for Europe—it’s about asserting dominance over a rival who has been a thorn in his side for years.