There is no rivalry in the game of golf right now which is more interesting than the one between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau are the superstars of their respective tours. Meanwhile, they have had some very notable battles on the golf course.
Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau is the best ever golf rivalry. Do you disagree?
DeChambeau won the 2024 US Open ahead of McIlroy in incredible fashion. But he was unable to keep up with the PGA Tour talisman during the final round of The Masters the following year. McIlroy was left surprised by DeChambeau’s tactics on Sunday at Augusta National.
Interestingly, there was a lot of mutual respect between the pair the first time they played together – nearly a decade ago.
What Bryson DeChambeau took from playing alongside Rory McIlroy for the first time
DeChambeau made waves on the European Tour in 2016 when he took the lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The American amateur posted an opening round of 64.
He was ultimately unable to get across the line. But he clearly took a lot from the week as he played alongside McIlroy on three occasions.
As he told Golf Digest Middle East, DeChambeau loved the experience of teeing it up with the then four-time major champion.
“Playing golf with Rory was incredible,” he said.
“I learned a lot. What impressed me about him was the fact he was able to stay calm and collected, no matter the situation, and that’s something I wasn’t able to do.
“I was definitely a little upbeat and my rhythm got out. It wasn’t so much a case of being nervous, it was a case of getting thrown out of my rhythm and not being comfortable in that situation. Although I didn’t play my best [on the weekend in Abu Dhabi] I learned a lot from the experience and that’s what being an intern is all about.”
Bryson DeChambeau’s classy gesture towards Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi
It was nearly impossible to avoid conversations about DeChambeau that week.
Not only did he make his mark on the golf course with a stunning opening round – he would ultimately finish in a tie for 54th – but he also caught the eye with his equipment.
Of course, all of DeChambeau’s irons are the same length. Meanwhile, he also wore a flat cap, which is a rarity in this era.
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But there was another moment involving DeChambeau which went somewhat under the radar. As reported by the Guardian, the youngster applauded when McIlroy’s name was announced on the first tee.
It was a moment of brilliant sportsmanship.
Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine the pair doing similar for one another if they were paired together today.
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