Ahead of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black this week, Rory McIlroy has taken a brutal shot at longtime rival Bryson DeChambeau to revive their feud ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Two of the world’s best golfers will be on opposite sides of the America-Europe clash outside of New York City.
On Saturday, McIlroy started the heated banter between the sides with international glory soon to be on the line.
‘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,’ McIlroy told the Guardian.
The friendly rivalry between DeChambeau and McIlroy has been going on for several years but only turned more personal after the American left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf.
The Northern Irishman may have been the PGA Tour’s most-vocal active player in sharing his beliefs about keeping the federation together once the Saudi-backed league formed.
Rory McIlroy has revived his long feud with Bryson DeChambeau ahead of the Ryder Cup
Two of the best golfers in the world will be on opposite sides of the America-Europe clash
Since splitting affiliations, not only for team competition but individually as well, McIlroy and DeChambeau have been drawn together several times.
Arguably the most notable time for the pair directly squaring off was during the final round of last year’s US Open, when a late, heart-wrenching collapse from McIlroy continued his major-less streak, handing the win to DeChambeau at Pinehurst.
McIlroy was also paired with DeChambeau when that decade-long streak came to an end earlier this year at The Masters.
DeChambeau stated after the event that McIlroy refused to talk with him during the final 18 holes at Augusta National.
‘We’re trying to win the Masters. I’m not going to try to be his best mate out there,’ McIlroy jabbed back.
The only time the pair of been on the same team was during the filming of ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ where they were teamed with Brooks Koepka, Scottie Scheffler, and Adam Sandler’s titular character.
It’s safe to say more than just team pride may be on the line for this iteration of the Ryder Cup.
