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Bryson DeChambeau Addresses His Rivalry With Rory McIlroy

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 7, 2026 4:43 PM ET

There's no love lost between Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy, that's for sure.

It seemed like McIlroy was destined to win the 2024 US Open at Pinehurst Resort, but he made three bogeys in the final four holes. DeChambeau, meanwhile, hit a miraculous bunker shot on the final hole to win the tournament.

McIlroy got his revenge at the 2025 Masters by defeating Justin Rose in a playoff to capture his first green jacket. As for DeChambeau, he fell apart in the final round and had to settle for fifth place. That was a bummer for him considering he entered the final round in second on the leaderboard.

With the Masters set to begin this Thursday morning, DeChambeau was asked about his rivalry with McIlroy. Let's just say he didn't beat around the bush with his answer.

"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 said. "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."

DeChambeau is right that rivalries are good for the game. It gives fans storylines worth investing in over the course of a 72-hole tournament.

Who's favored to win the 90th Masters?

Unsurprisingly, two-time Masters champion Scottie Scheffler will enter the opening round of the tournament as the odds-on favorite. Jon Rahm, meanwhile, has the second-best odds heading into Thursday.

DeChambeau and McIlroy are third and fourth, respectively, when it comes to their odds of winning this year's green jacket.

It would be pretty epic to see DeChambeau and McIlroy battle it out on Sunday. We'll see if they're up for the challenge that Augusta National Golf Club will present this week.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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