Rory McIlroy has narrowly made the cut at the US Open, but there was no such joy for Bryson DeChambeau.
McIlroy and DeChambeau played out a thrilling final round at the 2024 US Open, in which the latter emerged victorious.
But DeChambeau will not be defending his title at Oakmont this year, having finished his first two rounds on 10-over.
DeChambeau labelled Oakmont the hardest course he’s played, with the LIV Golf star struggling to deal with its challenges this week.
PGA Tour icon McIlroy missed the cut at Oakmont at the 2016 US Open, but his six-over score was just enough to make the weekend this time around.
Bryson DeChambeau follows in Rory McIlroy’s footsteps at US Open
There was, however, one similarity between DeChambeau and McIlroy at Oakmont, with neither player speaking to the media after their second rounds.
Golf Digest reported that the Northern Irishman was approached for his availability after Friday’s round in Pennsylvania.
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But when asked by a USGA official for that availability as he walked from the scorer’s room to the clubhouse without stopping, he simply said: “No, I’m good.”
McIlroy, who also failed to report to media duties after round one, has not exactly surprised anyone with his actions.
The Northern Irishman, who won The Masters earlier this year, has now failed to speak to the media after his last six rounds at a major.
Perhaps there is more to the story than meets the eye, but it really isn’t a good look for the five-time major winner.
He is setting a very poor example and also giving the PGA Tour a bad image, one which they very likely won’t be too happy about.
US Open defending champion Bryson DeChambeau acts out of character at Oakmont
DeChambeau, however, managed to forge a reputation at the other end of the scale from his fellow professional McIlroy.
LIV Golf icon DeChambeau shared fantastic insight into Oakmont before the US Open, in one of his many innovative and fascinating moves on social media.
He has created quite an impressive image for himself and for the game of golf in recent times, which deserves huge praise.
But it wasn’t a good look for the American or the tournament in Pennsylvania, particularly given his status as the defending champion.
It was also out of character for the two-time major champion, although his positive and admirable relationship with golf fans did remain.
Having taken to the range despite missing the cut, DeChambeau took time to dish out a signed ball and glove to those watching on.
Perhaps it was the frustrating issue of the LIV Golf man failing to make the weekend behind his media snub.
But that doesn’t seem the case with McIlroy, who is likely to further expose a major issue in golf over his next two days at the US Open.
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