It is still early, but the tension between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau seems to be building by the week.
With the Ryder Cup only five days away, there is already talk of a potential singles showdown between McIlroy and DeChambeau on Sunday, and it is easy to see why. Fans have been hoping for this clash ever since their back-and-forth started.
The tensions first came out in April after the final round of The Masters. The California native called out the Northern Irishman for not speaking to him during the round at Augusta National. The comments were met with support from other players, who stood by McIlroy in response.
The relationship between the two has not improved since then.
Speaking in July, DeChambeau said he would be ‘chirping’ in McIlroy’s ear if they ended up going head-to-head at Bethpage Black. The Northern Irishman has since responded.
Rory McIlroy comments on Bryson DeChambeau’s rise in popularity
During a recent interview with The Guardian, McIlroy was asked about DeChambeau’s comments as the conversation shifted towards the Ryder Cup.
He responded: “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.”
It did not take long for fans to push back on that idea, noting that DeChambeau has built a significant following without needing to name-drop anyone.
One fan wrote: “He gets more attention these days than Rory, especially after the Masters, with his YouTube following and challenges and charisma.”
A similar view followed: “Prove it Rory, start a YouTube and let the people decide. He’s never said your name once on that channel, and if he has, it was in good faith.”
The reactions kept coming in. One person said: “Calling someone out for being an ‘attention getter’ seems a bit hypocritical don’t you think?” while another added: “Rory must live in his own world. Bryson is immensely popular.”
“Rory sounding very unaware with that comment lol go on YouTube bro or watch a LIV event with the whole crowd following him,” wrote a fifth fan.
The consensus among fans appears to be that McIlroy’s remarks about DeChambeau have entirely missed the mark.
Comparing Ryder Cup records: Rory McIlroy vs Bryson DeChambeau
The two are both serious competitors, but it is not hard to notice the difference in experience between them when it comes to the Ryder Cup.
| Results | McIlroy | DeChambeau |
| Matches played | 33 | 6 |
| Wins | 16 | 2 |
| Losses | 13 | 3 |
| Halves | 4 | 1 |
| Points total | 18 | 2.5 |
If they do end up facing off at Bethpage Black, it will be worth watching how each approaches the build-up.
This matchup will not need any extra hype – plenty of fans are already looking forward to seeing it play out again.
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