Bryson DeChambeau shares desire to ‘beat the living you know what’ out of Rory McIlroy as Masters rivalry renewed

Bryson DeChambeau is ready to reignite his Masters rivalry with Rory McIlroy.

The two stars have returned to Augusta National this week, where the latter is defending his title after a dramatic win in 2025.

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During that competition 12 months ago, which saw McIlroy secure a grand slam, things turned tense.

The two were partners on the last day in 2025, and had a disagreement on the ninth green over who would putt first.

After some back-and-forth, McIlroy stepped up and sank his putt to move to 13 under par, while DeChambeau missed and was forced to settle for par.

The American then faded, while his partner went on to secure the green jacket after beating Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff.

Soon after McIlroy won the Masters, DeChambeau claimed the pair ‘didn’t speak’ at all during their final-round tussle, and their rivalry continued to bubble during a heated Ryder Cup five months later.

Bryson DeChambeau renews Rory McIlroy trash talk ahead of 2026 Masters

Now back at Augusta National, the LIV Golf star is ready to renew hostilities, and fired a shot in McIlroy’s direction during Tuesday’s press conference.

“It’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry,” DeChambeau said, ahead of teeing off later this week.

“I don’t have any problem with that — if anything, that helps create more buzz around the game of golf.

“Do I respect him as an individual? One hundred percent. Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely.

“There’s no question about it.”

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The American star then went one step further, and suggested he wants to ‘beat the living you know what’ out of McIlroy this weekend.

He continued: “I think that’s what’s so brilliant about the game of golf, that juxtaposition of having that sportsman-like respect, and then wanting to just absolutely beat the living you know what out of them.

“It’s one of those things: I got him at Pinehurst (in the 2024 US Open), and he got me here (last year).

“I hope there’s more of those to come, because it’s great for the game.”

While DeChambeau is talking up a big battle, McIlroy was more reserved in his own press conference.

Rory McIlroy focused on Masters title defence amid DeChambeau jibe

The Northern Irishman, who will host his Champions Dinner later on Tuesday, insists he is more relaxed this time around.

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“I think for the past 17 years, I couldn’t wait for the tournament to start. And this year, I wouldn’t care if the tournament never started,” he joked, speaking to reporters.

“It’s completely different. I just feel so much more relaxed, knowing that I’m going to be coming back here for a lot of years, getting to enjoy the perks that the champions get here.

“And that doesn’t make me any less motivated to play well and try to win the tournament, but I’m just more relaxed about it all.

“I feel comfortable on the golf course, feel comfortable with my game.

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“It’s been a good three weeks at home, getting ready physically and mentally — just trying to prepare for everything that this this week is going to throw at me.”

If DeChambeau’s comments are anything to go by, he will indeed throw everything he’s got at McIlory this week.

The rest of the field surely will too.

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