Bryson DeChambeau got the better of Rory McIlroy in the 2024 U.S. Open. However, he doesn’t just want to beat him just once. As the 2026 Masters inches closer, he made that very clear.

Speaking at Augusta National on Tuesday, DeChambeau talked openly about his relationship with the defending champion, Rory McIlroy. Sky Sports Golf shared his comments on X on April 8, and in the clip, the LIV Golf star actually didn’t hold back his thoughts.

"It's great if we can continue to have a rivalry," DeChambeau said. "If anything, that helps create more buzz around the game of golf."

This isn’t just a random talk at all. It all goes back to a year ago, when the two played together in the final round at Augusta. During the round, things got tense on the ninth green because they couldn’t agree on who should putt first, and everyone watching could see it.

McIlroy made his putt, but DeChambeau missed. After that, DeChambeau struggled, while McIlroy went on to beat Justin Rose in a playoff and complete his career Grand Slam.

DeChambeau later said they didn’t talk to each other the whole day. Their rivalry continued into the Ryder Cup five months later, and the tension stayed even after the Masters.

Now they are back at Augusta, and DeChambeau looks ready.

"Do I respect him as an individual? One hundred percent," he said. "Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely."

He went even further and said that golf is special because it has both respect between players and strong competition.

"That juxtaposition of having that sportsman-like respect and then wanting to just absolutely beat the living you know what out of them, I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here. I hope there's more of those to come," he said.

McIlroy, on the other hand, came in with a very different mindset.

McIlroy’s Take on His Rivalry with Bryson DeChambeau

The Northern Irishman was calm and relaxed at his press conference on Tuesday. He said defending a Masters title feels very different from trying to win it for the first time.

"I wouldn't care if the tournament never started," McIlroy joked. "It's completely different. I just feel so much more relaxed."

McIlroy had to wait for almost two decades for his first Masters victory. When he finally clinched the trophy, all the pressure was gone. He quickly made it clear that being relaxed doesn’t mean he isn’t focused.

"That doesn't make me any less motivated to play well and try to win the tournament."

Two very different moods heading into Augusta this week. DeChambeau is chasing it. McIlroy looks calm and settled. Now, one of those mindsets is about to be tested.

Who do you think will come out on top this week, DeChambeau or McIlroy? Tell us in the comments!

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Kalp Thaker