Bryson DeChambeau looks on while at the tournament practice area (Image: Getty Images) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Bryson DeChambeau has declared that while he respects Rory McIlroy, he wants to “beat the living you know what out of him.” The American stumbled during the final round of the Masters last year, despite seizing an early advantage with a birdie at the second. A turbulent round followed and the 32-year-old finished tied-fifth at 7-under.
After completing his round, DeChambeau was questioned about whether he had spoken to McIlroy in the scoring hut following his rival’s bogey at 18 to force a play-off. The American maintained that McIlroy had refused to speak to him throughout the entire round.
McIlroy was questioned about DeChambeau’s remarks at the PGA Championship, responding: “I don’t know what he was expecting.”
Their rivalry failed to materialise at the Ryder Cup, yet a recent Amazon Prime documentary about McIlroy shed fresh light on a dispute from the 2025 Masters. The pair became embroiled in a tense stand-off over who should putt first.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
DeChambeau proposed tossing a tee in the air, but McIlroy retorted: “No, this is the final round of the Masters, this isn’t some game on a Tuesday afternoon somewhere,” before summoning a rules official.
The incident has reignited public fascination with the duo and, on Tuesday, DeChambeau was finally asked directly whether he considers his relationship with McIlroy a rivalry.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry,” he said. “I don’t see any problem with that. If anything, it kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf.
“Do I respect him as an individual? 100 per cent. Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely. There’s no question about it.
“But I think that’s what’s so brilliant about the game of golf is that juxtaposition, having that sportsmanlike respect and then wanting to just absolutely beat the living you know what out of him.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. (Image: Getty)
“It’s one of those things like I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there’s more of those to come because it’s great for the game.”
Looking back on his defeat 12 months ago, DeChambeau could at least acknowledge McIlroy deserved his Grand Slam and that witnessing it first-hand was remarkable.
“It was a great learning lesson,” he added. “Leading or being tied for the lead and having the lead, that last group final round, gave me a lot of perspective on it. Then losing it and having things not go my way as they finished out and Rory completed the grand slam.
“Like I said, last year he earned it, right? It was really cool to see in person.
“Secondarily, I think, as I reflect back on it, the one thing I can take from it is I can put myself in those positions. The more I put myself in those positions, the better opportunities I’m going to have to win.
“It’s just been a gradual learning process. You never know what this week may bring, but I certainly hope to give it my all and put myself back in that position because I want to feel it again.”
This article first appeared on Mirror US.