One of the best parts of the Ryder Cup is the banter. All year long, pros keep things polished and professional—but every two years, the Ryder Cup becomes a stage for playful digs, fiery exchanges, and the occasional dust-up. From Rory McIlroy’s heated clash with Joe LaCava at Marco Simone in 2023 to countless classic spats before, the drama has always been part of the show.
This year, though, the trash talk feels sharper. With the notoriously rowdy New York fans ready to stir things up at Bethpage Black, emotions are already running high. And Rory McIlroy just added fuel to the fire—aiming his latest comments squarely at U.S. star Bryson DeChambeau.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, McIlroy was asked about DeChambeau’s vow to “chirp in his ear” all week. Rory didn’t hold back.
“I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people,” McIlroy said. “That’s basically what I think of that. To get attention, he’ll mention me or Scottie [Scheffler] or others.”
Instead of brushing it off as typical Ryder Cup gamesmanship, McIlroy went straight for the personal—echoing the barbs Brooks Koepka once threw during his feud with DeChambeau. For many, Bryson’s larger-than-life antics—monster drives, stunt videos at home, photo ops with Donald Trump, and spats with volunteers—are proof he thrives on attention. McIlroy, it seems, is done pretending otherwise.
Their tension isn’t new. McIlroy was one of LIV Golf’s loudest critics as DeChambeau defected, becoming the PGA Tour’s de facto voice against the breakaway league. Then came Pinehurst, where McIlroy’s 2024 U.S. Open collapse cleared the way for DeChambeau’s second major title. McIlroy struck back at Augusta this spring, winning the Masters while DeChambeau complained afterwards that Rory barely spoke to him during the final round they shared.
“I’m not going to try to be his best mate,” McIlroy said bluntly at the PGA Championship when asked about their relationship.
Now, with Bethpage Black set to host one of the most intense Ryder Cups in history, McIlroy’s latest shots all but guarantee fireworks. One thing’s for sure—neither man is backing down anytime soon.
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