Bryson DeChambeau reignites Rory McIlroy rivalry with bold statement ahead of Masters

Jack Otway
Wed, 08 Apr 2026 07:32:00 +0000

Bryson DeChambeau has declared his intention to "beat the living you-know-what" out of Rory McIlroy as the pair prepare to renew their compelling rivalry at Augusta this week.

The LIV Golf star spoke on Tuesday about his burning desire to overcome the defending Masters champion, whilst maintaining deep respect for his opponent.

"Do I respect him as an individual? 100 percent. Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely. There's no question about it," DeChambeau stated.

The American described this competitive tension as fundamental to golf's appeal.

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"That's what's so brilliant about the game of golf is that juxtaposition, having that sportsmanlike respect and then wanting to just absolutely beat the living you-know-what out of him," he added.

Their rivalry reached fever pitch during last year's final round at Augusta, when DeChambeau and McIlroy were paired together in the closing group on Sunday.

The lead swapped between them throughout the day before the American's challenge faded, allowing McIlroy to secure the Green Jacket following a playoff victory over Justin Rose.

That dramatic conclusion came less than twelve months after their memorable encounter at the 2024 US Open, where fortunes were reversed.

At Pinehurst, it was McIlroy who suffered a devastating collapse as DeChambeau claimed the title.

DeChambeau acknowledged the significance of their encounters: "I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there's more of those to come because it's great for the game."

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The past 12 months have seen both players stoke tensions through public remarks about one another.

Following their final round together, DeChambeau claimed the Northern Irishman "didn't talk to me once all day."

McIlroy's response was characteristically blunt: "I don't know what he was expecting. We're trying to win the Masters I'm not going to try and be his best mate out there."

Their paths crossed again at the Ryder Cup in New York, where McIlroy playfully draped a flag over DeChambeau's name after Europe's triumph.

More recently, an Amazon Prime documentary reignited the feud, with McIlroy revealing a stand-off during Augusta's final round over who should putt first.

The defending champion later expressed pride in refusing to yield.

DeChambeau described last year's defeat as a valuable "learning lesson" that has intensified his motivation heading into this week's tournament.

"Leading or being tied for the lead and having the lead, that last group final round, gave me a lot of perspective on it," he explained.

The American, who achieved a career-best fifth place finish in 2025, believes his game has reached its peak form.

"The one thing I can take from it is I can put myself in those positions," he said.

"The more I put myself in those positions, the better opportunities I'm going to have to win.

"I certainly hope to give it my all and put myself back in that position because I want to feel it again."