Golf fans are eagerly anticipating a potential rematch between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau at this week's PGA Championship at Quail Hollow - and the American has made it clear he's got huge respect for his rival.
The pair delivered an epic duel at the Masters last month, where McIlroy eventually triumphed in a dramatic play-off against Justin Rose to secure his long-awaited green jacket.
DeChambeau had emerged as the biggest threat to McIlroy's Augusta dream when he moved within two shots of the Northern Irishman through three rounds.
Now two of golf's most fearsome drivers could go toe to toe again, with world No 1 Scottie Scheffler also in the mix.
Bryson DeChambeau is ready for a hard fight for the second major
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DeChambeau is relishing the prospect of another major showdown with McIlroy at Quail Hollow.
"I do believe you have to have a lot of distance out here," said DeChambeau. "Rory is a great driver of the golf ball and his iron play is great, too."
The American believes the course suits both players' games perfectly.
"I think it's a golf course that sets up for his shot shapes pretty well, and I think it sets up well for mine, too," he added.
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Rory McIlory took the honours at the first major of the year, completing his Grand Slam
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Their rivalry has recent history, with DeChambeau having previously snatched a US Open title from McIlroy in 2024.
"Hopefully we can have another go at it again like The Masters," DeChambeau said.
DeChambeau has reasserted himself as a familiar feature among the favourites heading into the majors over recent years.
He has secured five top-five finishes since 2023, including his US Open triumph.
Last year, he narrowly missed adding a second major when Xander Schauffele beat him by just one stroke at the PGA Championship in Louisville.
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"I feel like I've always had the capacity to play well in major championships and contend consistently," said the American.
"It was more of an assurance of saying, hey, I can do this, and I can do this for a long time," he continued.
Scheffler, who has been a dominant force in golf, acknowledges the motivation that comes from McIlroy's recent success.
"It's always motivating when you just get beat," said Scheffler. "Rory has been off to a great start this year, and he's definitely improved and made some changes in his game from last year."
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The world No 1 sees golf as an ongoing journey of self-improvement.
"Golf is kind of an endless pursuit of getting the best out of yourself," he added.
"It was really cool to see Rory be able to finish that off and to be there for that moment."
Scheffler expressed empathy for the pressure McIlroy had faced over his long Masters drought.
"For a guy that's had one of the best careers in the history of the game, for him to sit in here week in, week out and have to be asked about one single golf tournament, I'm sure, can be a bit frustrating," he said.
McIlroy's Masters victory completed his career Grand Slam, joining an exclusive group of players to achieve this feat.
It came 11 years after his previous major triumph.
"It takes a lifetime of work to be able to even have a chance to win major championships, let alone win all four of them," Scheffler added.
