Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau have played out a thrilling rivalry in recent times, with many golf fans hoping for it to continue at the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy and DeChambeau have an intriguing back-and-forth, which includes the latter insisting he will “chirp” in the former’s ear this week.
They’ve battled it out at the likes of the US Open and The Masters in recent times, and could renew their rivalry over the coming days at the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy has drawn criticism for his comments on DeChambeau ahead of the event, having said of the American: “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.”
DeChambeau said McIlroy “didn’t mean anything by it”, admirably playing down the ongoing narrative between the pair.
Rory McIlroy confirms how he’ll feel if he has to play Bryson DeChambeau at the Ryder Cup
McIlroy has now done something similar the day before the action starts, having been tasked by reporters to discuss DeChambeau “chirping” in his ear at Bethpage.
Asked if he’s got a response for the LIV Golf star or Team USA, he replied: “I promised Luke [Donald] I would only talk about the European Team today. I’m going to stick to it.
“No, look, I think, again, it’s so easy to play into narratives this week and to get swept up in this whole rivalries and Ryder Cup and whatever it is.
“All I want to do is go and try and put blue points on the board. I don’t care who it’s against. If I come up against Bryson at some point, I think that’s great.
“I think that’s wonderful for the championship and wonderful for us, as well, in some ways. I just want to go out there and put blue points on the board and do what I can for the European Team.”
Rory McIlroy says what he really thinks of fan chants at the Ryder Cup
McIlroy was somewhat surprisingly restrained in his latest comments about the Ryder Cup, having taken quite a different approach on many other occasions.
But his captain Donald will be glad that he hasn’t taken the bait so to speak, particularly at this stage of proceedings.
McIlroy did, however, indulge reporters with his thoughts on the Ryder Cup fans, having been asked how he feels about the football-style chanting.
He said: “It’s amazing. And I think, as well, growing up as a fan of football and going to [Man] United games and hearing those songs and having those songs… having the tune the same but the lyrics changed into something that has something to do with you.
“As a boy, I dreamt of playing at Old Trafford and having those songs sung about me. I just didn’t know they would be sung to me on a golf course.
“They are very creative. They are amazing. Obviously you won’t hear it as much this week, but it’s still amazing.
“I think the last Ryder Cup we played at Whistling Straits, because it was off the back of Covid, we didn’t have any support, really, there. I feel like we’re at least going to have some this week, which is going to be nice.”
American fans will, of course, dominate Bethpage Black, but McIlroy is right to expect some form of support in New York.
He’s been a firm favorite for the European faithful over the years, and that is set to continue this week, where he’s making his eighth Ryder Cup appearance.
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