Inside the feud between golf rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau as pair fight for The Open at Royal Portrush
The superstars from opposite sides of the Atlantic are set to collide on the course at Royal Portrush.
Advertisement
5
Bryson DeChambeau is gunning for the Claret Jug
Credit: Reuters
5
Rory McIlroy is one of the favourites for The Open
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
And with the Ryder Cup in
New York
fast approaching this
autumn
, there will be more fireworks to come.
The rivalry has yet to explode into all-out animosity. But there is a growing sense of tension between the two protagonists -
USA
v Europe; the
PGA Tour
v LIV Golf; the artist v the scientist.
The friction first became apparent during the US Open last year, when McIlroy's dramatic collapse over the closing holes opened the door for DeChambeau to win.
The man from Northern
Ireland
reportedly left the course without stopping to congratulate DeChambeau, only doing so on Instagram a day later.
Advertisement
read more in golf
Things soured even further in December last year, when they met in
Las Vegas
for the Showdown, which saw McIlroy team up with
PGA Tour
, to take on DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from LIV.
The pair met on
the range
before the event and McIlroy told a TV crew: 'I'd like to go up against Bryson and try to get him back for what he did to me at the US Open.'
And DeChambeau replied: 'Well, to be fair, you kinda did it to yourself.'
McIlroy is thought to have been upset by the quip, which was considered cruel.
Advertisement
Most read in Golf
BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK
The duo then played alongside together in the last pairing of the final round of
the Masters
in April this year.
McIlroy famously won in a play-off over
history
.
DeChambeau later gave a sparky response when asked how Rory had coped, saying: 'No idea, he didn't talk to me once all day.'
Advertisement
McIlroy later fired back: 'I don't know what he was expecting. We're trying to win the Masters. I'm not going to try to be his best mate out there.'
Rory McIlroy explains haircut at Scottish Open
Their rivalry is not yet up there with Ali v Frazier, but it is not going away.
The two are both among the richest and most successful stars of their sport.
McIlroy's Masters triumph completed the Grand Slam of all four majors and took him to 44 professional wins, including five major championships.
Advertisement
DeChambeau has managed 14 professional victories, which includes two major titles.
5
McIlroy filed for divorce after seven years with Erica
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
5
McIlroy won the Masters after a whirlwind 12 months that saw him call off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll
Credit: Getty
As a result of their achievements on the course, McIlroy's net worth is estimated to £260m, while DeChambeau has around £145m.
Advertisement
McIlroy owns multiple luxurious properties the world, including a
Florida
mansion, a house in La Quinta,
California
mansion, an estate in
Northern Ireland
, and apartments in
New York
and
Dubai
.
He also has a new mansion being custom made on the exclusive Wentworth estate in
Surrey
.
Inside Rory McIlroy's whirlwind love life
RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014.
The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011.
Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA's manager of championship volunteer operations.
She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone.
The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic.
McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship.
Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017.
The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later.
Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix's Full Swing documentary series.
However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica.
The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida.
However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce.
McIlroy told the outlet: "Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.'
DeChambeau recently sold his swanky mansion in
Texas
to move into another in the same area.
He is rumoured to be
dating
Lilia Schneider, a college golfer from ndianapolis. They have been pictured sharing a buggy at a LIV event.
Advertisement
DeChambeau had previously dated another college golfer, Hunter Nugent, but she revealed that they had parted in 2022 and that Schneider was now with the American.
He also used to date
swimwear
line with La Isla for a 'large cup' bikini wearer.
5
Sophia Phalen Bertolami launched a range of bikinis
Credit: Instagram @sophiaandstella
McIlroy's love life is equally complicated.
Advertisement
Last year his
marriage
to wife Erica Stoll looked to be over as they prepared to
divorce
, before a surprise change of heart and
Before that, he spent three years with Danish
tennis
beauty
In 2014, McIlroy was romantically linked with Meghan Markle, before she married
Prince
Harry.
The pair flirted in a video shared on social media, as he helped her take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral trend adopted by many celebs to raise
money
for ALS.
Advertisement
Who are golf's most famous Wags?
The world's top golfers enjoy an incredible lifestyle - and their Wags lead thrilling lives of their own.
Here are some of the most high-profile beauties...
This
The
A Master golfer raced home from his most recent triumph to be by his wife's side as she gave birth to their first child.
An athlete who
A
Playing off a handicap of three, this
This
A
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Jude Bellingham undergoes surgery ruling him out of FOUR England games and to miss first months of Real Madrid season
JUDE BELLINGHAM is facing up to three months out after finally undergoing shoulder surgery. The 2 Jude Bellingham has had surgery on his shoulder and faces three months out Credit: Getty 2 It's a huge blow for both England and Real Madrid Credit: Getty However, Euro 2024 and the Club World Cup delayed him going under the knife. But following And he is now "beginning a period of rehabilitation", according to the Spanish club. It means that Bellingham might not play again until October. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL If that is the case, the former Borussia Dortmund man will miss the start of the LaLiga season He could sit out England's next four games too. Those include three World Cup qualifiers AND September's home friendly with Wales. Bellingham will also be unavailable for the first four rounds of the Champions League starting in September. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The ace is entering his third season at the Bernabeu following an £88million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. He netted 23 goals across 42 games in his first season as Real scooped a LaLiga and Champions League double under Carlo Ancelotti. Jude Bellingham's girlfriend posts for first time since England star had bum pinched by bride-to-be But both Bellingham and his club ended up empty-handed this term. His goal output was significantly lower with just 15 strikes too, despite playing more matches with 58 appearances. The four England games Bellingham will miss England vs Andorra (WC Qualifier) - September 6th Serbia vs England (WC Qualifier) - September 9th England vs Wales (Friendly) - October 9th Latvia vs England (WC Qualifier) - October 14th
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose bromance stronger than ever at The Open as they relive nerve-shredding Masters play-off
IT was the golfing duel that stopped the nation. Shortly after midnight on April 14, Britain was gripped by the sight of two of its own scrapping for The Masters' Green Jacket at Augusta. Advertisement 8 Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose's budding bromance is set to grow at The Open Credit: EPA 8 The pair are firm friends after their epic Masters battle Credit: Getty 8 McIlroy came out on top in a dramatic final Credit: AP 8 It saw the ace finally earn his green jacket Credit: Getty After a back nine full of dramatic tension, Afterwards, Englishman Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, and his wife Kate showered hugs on McIlroy. The Northern Irishman had waited more than a decade to join golf's immortals — Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen — by winning all four of golf's crown jewels. This afternoon, on McIlroy's own turf at Portrush in Northern Ireland, these two men tee off at The Open with their long-term 'bromance' in full bloom. Advertisement READ MORE IN GOLF At a golf writers' dinner on Tuesday, McIlroy wore his Green Jacket and was asked who he would like to lift the Claret Jug, if he could not do so himself. And he replied: 'With what Rosey and I went through at Augusta, how close he has been, I would love to see him get a second Major. 'He has won a Major, he has won an Olympic gold medal. 'But that second Major would validate what a great career he has had. That would be a great storyline. Hopefully it's one of the Europeans — let's keep it this side of the Atlantic.' Advertisement Most read in Golf Revealed BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS Victory for Rose would certainly buck recent trends. No Englishman has lifted the Claret Jug since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992. During this time 15 different Americans have prevailed, including last year's winner Xander Schauffele — ahead of Rose, who tied for second. The secret underground tunnel where Open golfers hide from thunderstorms but only certain stars can use it at Portrush The Open 2025 ONE of the most anticipated Opens in years is finally here. Can THE OPEN 2025 LIVE - Follow all the latest updates from Royal Portrush TIPS AND FREE BETS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW... The Open 2025 schedule and tee times TOP STORIES... But Rose, 44, knows 'local hero' McIlroy — who shot a course record 61 at Portrush at 16 — will take some beating. Advertisement Rose said: 'Rory is a local hero around here and rightly so. He has been since he shot 61 here as a kid. 'The legend around him in these parts has been growing for a long, long time. He's going to be incredibly well supported this week. 'I feel the pressure is off him this time around, compared to when The Open was last here in 2019 — because he's got nothing more to prove. This would be the cherry on top. He's in a good mindset.' Rose, who burst on to the scene by finishing fourth as a 17-year-old amateur at Birkdale in 1998, also lost a Masters play-off to Sergio Garcia in 2017. Advertisement He admits he is sick of finishing second in Majors but was not 'devastated' by the latest loss earlier this year, given McIlroy had blown a big lead only to roar back in the play-off. 8 Rose's wife Kate congratulated McIlroy on his Masters win 8 His wife Erica Stoll and daughter Poppy were also at Augusta in support Credit: Getty Rose said: 'When Rory was there over his three-footer to win, I was definitely thinking, 'Oh, man, I've been here before watching the same story'. There was definitely a bit of deja vu. Advertisement 'In 2017, I could almost imagine what it would be like to have won The Masters. 'But it was different this time around. I played great on the Sunday. I chased as hard as I could. 'So there was more pride in the performance. When you see all the outpouring from Rory, you understand how big the moment is and you wish that for yourself. 'But it wasn't lost on me what a huge achievement that was for the game of golf, someone achieving a career Grand Slam. Advertisement 'I was still able to be happy for Rory in that moment. It had been a long time coming for him. For how good he is, to have a decade of chances slip by. 8 McIroy is now ready to test himself back on home turf Credit: Getty 8 Rose is also hoping for success at The Open Credit: Getty 'He hit two amazing shots in the play-off. I'd imagine he felt he'd have given it away. He probably felt he shouldn't even be in a play-off. Advertisement 'So for him to steady himself and to put two great swings on it when it mattered most — when you lose to that, you can walk out with your head held high and give your competitor a lot of praise. 'I don't really feel like I had to get over it. I didn't necessarily feel completely devastated. I didn't feel that there was much baggage.' Rose admits he has felt the love of the public since congratulating McIlroy so warmly at Augusta — and says that dramatic finale whetted the appetite for Portrush. He said: 'I probably picked up a lot more followers and fans because of The Masters. I felt I reacted normally to Rory afterwards. Advertisement 'It wasn't a runaway win, someone made a run, someone was playing well, there was drama, a few bad shots, some great shots, and suddenly it culminated into this amazing story — and it was great to be a part of it. 'Feeling a part of that story has made people very excited about this tournament. I'm ready to move on because second is second, isn't it? It's a tough loss. But it's more evidence that, when I get things right, I'm still competitive.'
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Lamine Yamal signs six-year Barcelona deal and gets iconic number as he faces probe over ‘hiring dwarfs for party'
LAMINE YAMAL was handed the iconic No10 shirt as he signed a new six-year Barcelona deal despite facing a probe over allegedly hiring dwarfs for his birthday party. The 18-year-old sensation has committed himself to the Nou Camp until 2031, having already won two LaLiga titles in Catalonia. 8 Lamine Yamal has penned a lucrative new Barcelona deal Credit: Reuters 8 He has been handed the club's iconic No10 jersey Credit: Reuters 8 Yamal follows in the footsteps of legends like Lionel Messi Credit: AFP 8 His new deal will keep the winger at Barcelona until 2031 Credit: Reuters His tender age has not stopped the winger from mixing it with football's very best. And Yamal also has a Euros to his name after winning 20 caps for Spain. The left-footer has now been rewarded for his stunning few seasons with a lucrative new Barcelona contract. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL The deal will boost Yamal's wages and release clause while keeping him tied down to the Nou Camp for the next six years. As part of the deal, he has also been handed the iconic No10 shirt. Its former wearers include Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Diego Maradona. Rivaldo, Romario and Hristo Stoichkov also bore the coveted number on their jerseys. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS The No10 was finally free to Yamal to take following the exit of Ansu Fati to Monaco. Revealing his delight, the teen said: 'I think the renewal means I'll stay at the club of my life. Lamine Yamal faces government investigation after 'dwarfs are hired to perform at mafia-themed 18th birthday party' 8 Yamal caused a stir with his recent birthday party Credit: 8 The winger threw the bash to celebrate turning 18 Credit: 8 It's alleged that dwarfs were seen at the party, sparking concerns over exploitation Credit: 8 The Spanish government has now launched a probe into the do Credit: 'I'll continue enjoying myself and winning, because I'm at the best club in the world. 'I don't feel pressure, I'm at the best club in the world. Messi has made his way, I'm going to make mine, and the 10 comes from Ansu anyway. I'll try to make my way.' Fati's good news comes just days after he Footage on social media claims to show several dwarfs leaving his mafia-themed bash. This sparked concerns within Spain's government that they may have been exploited. And Yamal now faces an investigation, risking a potential fine of £876,000.
