When you look at golf in 2024, few moments can top Bryson DeChambeau edging out Rory McIlroy to win the US Open at Pinehurst.
McIlroy looked finally set to win major number five before two disastrous putts in the final four holes opened the door for DeChambeau.
The American duly obliged, as he hit a stunning bunker shot to leave a tap in to take the title and leave a heartbroken McIlroy needing time away from the game.
Since then, McIlroy and DeChambeau have remained apart on the LIV and PGA circuits. But with the upcoming Showdown in Las Vegas next week, the pair are right under each other’s noses.
Indeed, so much so, that DeChambeau has admitted to a touch of awkwardness.
What Bryson DeChambeau has said about Rory McIlroy ahead of The Showdown
Speaking on The Loop podcast, DeChambeau was pressed on what it had been like spending time with McIlroy for the first time since Pinehurst.
And admittedly, DeChambeau conceded there was a bit of edginess at first.
“For sure. It took a little bit for him to get comfortable I would say. I was fine. It definitely for a little bit like ‘hey, hey, great, great’ sort of thing. Then as time moved on we warmed up and it was fine,” DeChambeau said.
“There was no issues ultimately and we had a good time. We were there for quite a while. We spent some good time together. It was good but ultimately I still want to kick his… yeah. I’m excited for next week!”
McIlroy will be desperate to beat DeChambeau
The Showdown might be a bit of a novel concept and will be fun for the golf fan to watch but at the end of the day, McIlroy will want to win.
McIlroy admitted he got too focussed on DeChambeau at the US Open and with little opportunity to play each other over a season, this is a golden chance for Rory to make amends.
As DeChambeau says in his quotes, he wants to win. McIlroy will be the same and he will have extra fire in his belly after Pinehurst.
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