The evolution of dynamics is nothing new in the current golf world landscape. As the PGA Tour and LIV Golf stand divided, so do most of its players. One relationship that was highly impacted was the one between Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau. After years of remaining close, the Scientist’s choice to bid the Tour goodbye and move to LIV was heavily criticized by his friend and PGA Tour loyalist, Tiger Woods.

But it was not just his choice to defect. His slow play at the 2022 Masters which reportedly led to an unprecedented delay in Woods’s round was the other culprit in their strained relationship. But it seems DeChambeau’s two major wins and rising prowess have softened the GOAT’s take on him.

As we know, a kind gesture goes a long way. This is exactly what the 48-year-old did in his possible attempt to rebuild burned bridges. In a keen display of sportsmanship, Woods used the Open week to congratulate DeChambeau for his awe-striking US Open win.

The LIV Golf Pro soon took note of this kind gesture. Acknowledging this, he said,  “It is the first communication, but I’ll say he’s competitor and I have a lot of respect for him. I’m sure that winning two U.S. Opens definitely helped, I guess, for him coming up and saying congrats. I don’t know what his position is, but it was very thoughtful, and I was appreciative of it.”

A repeat US Open win could do what no amount of birthday wishes could. Yes, you heard that right. The two-year-long silent treatment endured many tests. The primary reason was that Woods had not responded to the Crushers GC captain when he wished him a happy birthday. It’s tragic, isn’t it? Well, time heals all. This was true when DeChambeau chose to rise above and not repeat the same fate when Woods wished him well. As an extension of his humble personality, the 30-year-old reciprocated a similar maturity when Rory McIlroy gave him a much-awaited congratulations.

Bryson DeChambeau demonstrates grace as he clears the air surrounding Rory McIlroy’s professionalism

Bryson DeChambeau understands the pain of coming so close and missing. That is maybe why he seemed to be so understanding of Rory McIlroy’s situation following the US Open trajectory. Questions were raised about the Northern Irishman’s professionalism when he left the field without congratulating the American.

As emotional as McIlroy’s actions were, his situation was not spared criticism. Thankfully for him, in his display of the true sportsman he is, McIlroy took the first opportunity to remedy his Pinehurst mistake. At Royal Troon, the PGA Tour loyalist wished the LIV Golfer with an open heart.

Remembering their interaction, DeChambeau revealed, “I said hello to him, and we talked. He said congratulations, so everything’s great there. He’s a fierce competitor. I know he’s going to give the fans 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.”

It remains to be seen whether Royal Troon will offer a similar cutthroat fight for this duo. All we can say is that these Scottish greens seem to be turning a new chapter in the lives of Bryson DeChambeau and some of his old friends.