‘Brought Some of This Stuff on Himself’: Rory McIlroy, Who Has a Clash of Opinion With Bryson DeChambeau, Once Sympathized With Him Amidst Public Scrutiny

Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau have different ideologies. While the Irishman supports the PGA Tour and its legacies, the latter has chosen to believe that the newly established LIV Golf Invitational Series is the future of golf. They might have a difference in opinions. However, did you know that McIlroy had once backed the American golfer when almost all the golf world was against him? 

“I certainly feel some sympathy for him,” the 4-time major champion said.  “Because I certainly don’t think that you should be ostracised or criticized for being different.”

McIlroy revealed his thoughts on DeChambeau when the 28-year-old faced harsh criticism from golf fans in 2021. The golfer just fired his caddy while attending a tournament and had been in a professional rivalry with his fellow golfer, Brooks Koepka. These were some of DeChambeau’s actions that attracted people to criticize him, which the 2022 FedExCup champion didn’t enjoy. 

Did Rory McIlroy believe DeChambeau was not the one to blame? 

“There are certainly things that he has done in the past that have brought some of this stuff on himself,” McIlroy said. However, he disagreed with the reaction the fans and spectators gave DeChambeau. 

Due to his tension with Brooks Koepka, the fans used to call out DeChambeau while he was taking a shot. They would yell “Brooksie” whenever the ‘Mad Scientist’ was playing, making him uncomfortable and lose concentration. Notably, the PGA Tour even had to remove some fans from the 2021 Memorial Tournament for the same. 

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“It’s actually pretty sad to see,” he explained his opinion about the situation the 2020 US Open champion has been in. “Because he, deep down, I think, is a nice person.” Notably, McIlroy is one of the few, if not the only one, to speak about DeChambeau’s issue and support him. 

What does McIlroy think of Bryson DeChambeau signing with LIV Golf? 

Rory McIlroy had pledged allegiance with the PGA Tour since the new LIV Golf has emerged as a threat to the Tour. Notably, Bryson DeChambeau also had done the same. However, he was one of the players who changed their opinion and joined the league, unlike McIlroy.

“You had people committed to the PGA Tour, and that’s what the statements that were put out,” the Irish golfer said. According to McIlroy, he believed them. “I took them at their word,” he added. “And I was wrong.” 

The two golfers don’t think alike; they have different ideologies. Yet, when DeChambeau faced harsh criticism, McIlroy was there for him. He spoke his mind and explained why he felt the younger golfer was getting unfair treatment from others.

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