Bryson DeChambeau has already started the mind-games with Rory McIlroy ahead of the Ryder Cup and course change could see their rivalry hit fever-pitch.
A fierce feud has emerged between the pair, who are now set to be on opposite sides of Team USA vs Team Europe at Bethpage Black next month.
DeChambeau recently aimed to reignite a war of words with McIlroy in the latest chapter in their rivalry that has dominated the past year.
The latter’s dramatic collapse in the 2024 US Open saw DeChambeau snatch victory before telling him, ‘You did that to yourself’.
McIlroy exacted revenge a few months later at The Masters to win the first major of the year after teeing off alongside the American.
In doing so, the world No.2 finally ended his 11-year drought at the majors and completed the career grand slam.
However, DeChambeau did his best to take the shine away by complaining McIlroy ignored him throughout the day.
The duo even differ on YouTube golf, with DeChambeau one of its biggest stars and McIlroy publicly voicing his lack of interest.
Now, DeChambeau has been busy relishing the prospect of a Ryder Cup showdown with his old foe at Bethpage Black next month.
Speaking to People, the LIV star made it clear he’d take a more vocal approach to a showdown with McIlroy, this time around.
DeChambeau said: “I’ll be chirping in his ear this time.
“Now, if we go up against each other, I mean, you can be sure of it,” DeChambeau added, laughing: “I’ll get into his ear a little bit.”
talkSPORT.com's Ryder Cup team predictions
Team USA
Automatic qualifiers
- Scottie Scheffler (Qualification confirmed)
- Xander Schauffele (Qualification confirmed)
- JJ Spaun (Qualification confirmed)
- Russell Henley (Qualification confirmed)
- Bryson DeChambeau (Qualification confirmed)
- Harris English (Qualification confirmed)
Captain’s picks
- Justin Thomas
- Collin Morikawa
- Keegan Bradley (player captain)
- Ben Griffin
- Patrick Cantlay
- Cameron Young
Team Europe
Automatic qualifiers
- Rory McIlroy (Qualification confirmed)
- Tommy Fleetwood (Qualification confirmed)
- Tyrrell Hatton (Qualification confirmed)
- Robert MacIntyre (Qualification confirmed)
- Justin Rose (Qualification confirmed)
- Rasmus Hojgaard
Captain’s picks
- Jon Rahm
- Viktor Hovland
- Ludvig Aberg
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Shane Lowry
- Sepp Straka
Bethpage Black makes changes ahead of Ryder Cup
The two-time US Open champion may have the perfect opportunity to do just that, due to the tweaks made to Bethpage Black.
The 89-year-old course has undergone adjustments to the fairways, tee boxes and the rough in an attempt to play to the USA team’s strengths.
The first hole has undergone the most notable change.
The normal championship tees play from 430 yards but a new forward tee has been built to accommodate the Ryder Cup’s customary imposing grandstand that encircles the tee box.
As a result, it may potentially be drivable for the longer hitters – of which both McIlroy and DeChambeau are among the best around.
That could bring fireworks right from the word go when the two teams tee it up at Bethpage.
They will also enjoy the rough, which usually ranges from 3 to 5 inches deep, but is expected to be cut to 2½–2¼ inches.
What did McIlroy do at the last Ryder Cup?
McIlroy is no stranger to Ryder Cup bust-ups, having confronted Brooks Koepka’s caddie, Ricky Elliott, in September 2023.
Luke Donald led Europe to a dominant win over the USA in Rome, following the Americans’ 2021 one-sided victory in Whistling Straits.
Despite this, McIlroy became enraged by Patrick Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, during a dramatic finish to the second day.
After words were exchanged on the 18th green, McIlroy was seen furiously shouting at Justin Thomas‘ caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay.
The 36-year-old, who was then bundled into a car by Shane Lowry, later revealed it was the angriest he has ever felt on a golf course.
‘Rocky McIlroy’, as he was referred to by Justin Rose, contributed a tournament-best four points to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup.
