BRYSON DECHAMBEAU is desperate for the next chapter in his Rory McIlroy rivalry by going head-to-head at the Ryder Cup.
The power players do not see eye to eye and exchanged digs after their respective wins at the 2024 US Open and 2025 Masters, with the Northern Irishman not talking to his playing partner on that memorable Sunday at Augusta to focus on finally claiming his green jacket.
GettyBryson DeChambeau wants to face Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup[/caption]
ReutersThe pair have had their fair share of battles on and off the course[/caption]
McIlroy, 36, reignited the feud with the LIV rebel ahead of Bethpage Black by saying the “only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people… like me and Scottie Scheffler”.
But pressed on his relationship with McIlroy ahead of a possible showdown in front of a raucous New York crowd, home-favourite DeChambeau, 32, said: “Rivalries are good for golf. I have the ultimate respect for Rory as a player.
“It’s going to be fun to go up against him this week, whether it’s against him directly or through other players.
“Would I love to go up against him? Yeah. I don’t know if there’s planning behind the scenes or whatnot.
“He’s a great and fierce competitor but one that I would love the opportunity to play against.”
McIlroy refused to be drawn into the debate again yesterday but admitted: “It’s so easy to play into narratives this week and get swept up in rivalries.
“If I come up against Bryson at some point, 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 for Europe.”
DeChambeau played at the Paris 2018 and Whistling Straits 2021 Ryder Cups but failed to qualify for Rome following his defection to the Saudi-backed breakaway league – before being forced to sit out of last year’s Olympics.
The big-hitter – who may attempt to drive the first green at 365 yards – revealed: “When I missed the Olympics because of Covid, that was a pretty big shot to the heart.
“Missing Rome sucked. I wanted to be there. Seeing the guys lose really put a fire in my stomach and I wanted to make the team this time around.
“Experiencing both the highs and the lows and missing Rome has made this Ryder Cup a mission project for me.
“The words really aren’t there right now to explain how passionate I am about this USA team.”
DeChambeau and his US team-mates will be cheered on by his pal and President Donald Trump on Friday, 14 months after he appeared on the Californian’s golf YouTube channel.
And the two-time Major winner reckons his presence at Bethpage Black will only boost America’s chances: “I hope he will inspire us to victory. I think he’ll be a great force for us to get a lot of people on our side.
“It will be interesting and exciting to see how the crowd and everybody reacts. It’s going to be an electric environment.”
But one man who is less bothered about Trump being in attendance is Scot Robert MacIntyre, who replied deadpan: “It’s just another spectator.
“I just play golf. I’m not bright enough, for one, to be worrying about politics.”
GettyDeChambeau will be supported by Donald Trump on Friday[/caption]
GettyMcIlroy said DeChambeau uses his name for attention[/caption]
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
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THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
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