The two have tangled on many occasions, and after both struggled to keep pace with Scottie Scheffler at the Open Championship (DeChambeau finishing eight shots back and McIlroy seven), the American is plotting a more vocal strategy at Bethpage Black, where play begins on September 26.
Earlier this year at Augusta, McIlroy completed his career Grand Slam, and while they were paired together in the final round, DeChambeau felt snubbed when McIlroy barely spoke to him on the course. He later admitted his frustration, saying, “He didn’t talk to me once all day—he was just focused on himself.” McIlroy, for his part, shrugged off the comments before the PGA Championship, explaining that his silence was simply part of his process to perform at his best.
Despite a rough start at Royal Portrush—an opening 78 left him tied for 144th—DeChambeau rallied with rounds of 65, 68 and a flawless 64 to earn a spot on Team USA. He expressed some regret over that first round, noting that a stronger start might have set up a direct duel with Scheffler, but was proud of his resilience: “The last three rounds, I played some stellar golf. I didn’t give up, gave it all I had, and showed the fans that you never give up.”
Now, looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, DeChambeau promises he’ll be much more than just a competitor—he’ll be a persistent presence in McIlroy’s ear, determined to get under the Northern Irishman’s skin as they renew their rivalry in New York this fall.
