Bryson DeChambeau has revealed that he’d love to play Rory McIlroy. The 32-year-old has been in a face-off with the World No. 2 in the lead-up to the Ryder Cup. But DeChambeau has embraced the rivalry and insisted that it is good for golf as Europe and the US prepare to lock horns at Bethpage Black, where the two-time major champion will be keen to help Keegan Bradley’s side regain the trophy.
DeChambeau Has Ultimate Respect For McIlroy
DeChambeau recently drew the ire of McIlroy for his comments at the “Happy Gilmore 2” premiere in New York City this July, when he said that he would ‘chirp’ in McIlroy’s ear whenever they next faced each other on the course. The Northern Irishman accused him of trying to gain attention by unnecessarily talking about him. However, DeChambeau insists he doesn’t read too much into it and that he would welcome the opportunity to face the career Grand Slam contender at the Ryder Cup this week.
“Look, I think rivalries are good gore the game of golf, and albeit I have the ultimate respect for Rory as a player,” DeChambeau said during his Ryder Cup press conference. “It’s going to be fun to go up against him this week, whether it’s against him directly or through other players. I think it is going to be a fun challenge this week.”
DeChambeau Would Love To Go Up Against McIlroy
McIlroy refused to speak about his rivalry with DeChambeau at his own Ryder Cup press conference. The 36-year-old said he had promised he would only speak about Team Europe and didn’t plan to break that promise. DeChambeau insists he would love to go up against him, despite the Northern Irishman refusing to get drawn into rivalries.
“Would I love to go up against him? Yeah. It would be a lot of fun. Is it going to happen? It’s not likely. I mean, maybe once. You never know. I don’t know if there’s planning behind the scenes or whatnot. But look, he’s a fierce competitor, a great competitor, but one that I would love the opportunity to play against this week.”
The hostility between the two golf heavyweights can be traced back to the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. McIlroy famously missed a series of short putts on the final few holes, and DeChambeau duly capitalized to steal the championship from the 36-year-old. The two crossed paths again at the 2025 Masters after they were paired up for the final round. McIlroy went on to win his first green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam. DeChambeau told reporters shortly after that McIlroy refused to speak to him throughout the round, though he later clarified that there was “no beef” between them, stressing his respect for the Northern Irishman.
Main Photo Credit: © Peter Casey-Imagn Images
