Rory McIlroy responds to Bryson DeChambeau rivalry ahead of 2025 Ryder Cup

Now, just a day before play begins, McIlroy found himself back in familiar territory after being asked by reporters about DeChambeau “chirping” again at Bethpage.

When questioned if he had any response for the LIV Golf player or Team USA, he replied: “I promised Luke [Donald] I would only talk about the European Team today. I’m going to stick to it.

“No, look, I think, again, it’s so easy to play into narratives this week and to get swept up in this whole rivalries and Ryder Cup and whatever it is.

“All I want to do is go and try and put blue points on the board. I don’t care who it’s against. If I come up against Bryson at some point, I think that’s great.

“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 and do what I can for the European Team.”

Rory McIlroy gives his honest view on Ryder Cup fan chants

McIlroy took a more measured approach this time, having previously been more outspoken in the build-up to Ryder Cups.

His captain Donald will likely appreciate his focus, especially with the event just around the corner.

He was, however, open about what he thinks of the Ryder Cup atmosphere when asked about the football-style chanting from fans.

“It’s amazing. And I think, as well, growing up as a fan of football and going to [Man] United games and hearing those songs and having those songs… having the tune the same but the lyrics changed into something that has something to do with you.

“As a boy, I dreamt of playing at Old Trafford and having those songs sung about me. I just didn’t know they would be sung to me on a golf course.”

“They are very creative. They are amazing. Obviously you won’t hear it as much this week, but it’s still amazing.

“I think the last Ryder Cup we played at Whistling Straits, because it was off the back of Covid, we didn’t have any support, really, there. I feel like we’re at least going to have some this week, which is going to be nice.”

The crowd at Bethpage Black will heavily favour Team USA, but McIlroy is still expecting to hear some European voices in New York.

The 35-year-old has long been a favourite among European fans, who will again be backing him during what will be his eighth Ryder Cup appearance for Team Europe.