Rory McIlroy displays true character during Bryson DeChambeau exchange at The Open

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau reunited at Royal Troon, their first meeting since their dramatic showdown at the US Open last month. During this encounter on Monday, McIlroy extended his congratulations to DeChambeau, recalling their intense battle at Pinehurst No. 2, where McIlroy lost a two-shot lead with just five holes remaining. DeChambeau’s victory by a single stroke earned him his second major title after an exhilarating final round.

The loss was a significant blow for McIlroy, who left Pinehurst almost immediately after DeChambeau’s winning putt, opting to skip his post-championship media responsibilities. Following this disappointment, the 35-year-old decided to take a break from golf. He made his comeback at the Scottish Open last week to prepare for The Open Championship. Now, five weeks after their US Open encounter, McIlroy and DeChambeau crossed paths once more upon arriving at Royal Troon.

DeChambeau shared insights about their private conversation, stating, “I said hello to [McIlroy] yesterday, and we talked. He said congrats. Everything is great there.”

DeChambeau has been in excellent form at the majors this season, securing a tied-sixth place finish at the Masters and a second-place finish at the PGA Championship before clinching the US Open in North Carolina. He expressed his confidence, saying, “[I am] very confident, obviously. It all depends if I’m striking it well. I can come in here with the most confidence, obviously, off of a major championship win. Played decent last week, as well.

“I can continue to drive the ball as well as I have and ball strike my irons the way I know I can and putt the way I know I can. If I do those three things well, even four things with chipping and bunker play and on the greens, I will give myself a chance. I know how to get the job done. It’s just a matter of if I’m as consistent as I was at the US Open last weekend and a few other venues as well. If I can play the golf that I have been, I think I’ll give myself a great chance.”

DeChambeau’s best finish at The Open so far was a tie for eighth at St Andrews in 2022. Looking forward to another major showdown this week, the LIV Golf star added, “He is a fierce competitor. I know he’s going to give the fans, give everybody as much as he can this week. I’m going to be doing the same. We’re going to be competing. Hopefully, it will be another good battle.”