SerpApi.Org
Rory McIlroy made his feelings about Bryson DeChambeau more than clear at The Open Championship, but he has expressed support for the possibility of his rival competing in the Irish Open.
The event will take place at President Donald Trump's Doonbeg resort in September, and despite McIlroy acknowledging at Royal Birkdale that he is "not particularly fond" of DeChambeau, he thinks the LIV Golf star's participation would benefit the tournament.
McIlroy launched a blistering critique of DeChambeau's conduct after the two-time U.S. Open champion found himself embroiled in a rules controversy at Birkdale, incurring a two-shot penalty for improving his lie on the fifth hole during Friday's second round. DeChambeau reacted angrily to the ruling, fiercely challenging the penalty after completing his round, prompting McIlroy to claim he was "holding the tournament hostage."
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McIlroy also suggested DeChambeau, who said plainly he's not a fan of, was chasing "attention" through his "performative" behavior on Friday evening. DeChambeau has not yet addressed the remarks, avoiding media engagements at Birkdale throughout the competition.
Despite the tension between arguably the two most prominent figures in golf, McIlroy indicated he would embrace DeChambeau's participation at Doonbeg.
"I think that would be great for the tournament, absolutely," McIlroy said. "Having someone like Bryson at the Irish Open, yeah, it would be great for the tournament."
DeChambeau isn't currently listed in the field for the Irish Open, but he'll likely have plenty of availability once the LIV Golf season wraps up in August.
He's also a strong Trump supporter. DeChambeau has golfed with the president on his YouTube channel, and the 32-year-old serves as chairman of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition.
Trump has suggested he hopes to attend the tournament at Doonbeg, which kicks off on September 10, though arrangements for his visit haven't been finalized yet.
McIlroy was also questioned about the possibility of the Irish Open being incorporated into the PGA Tour calendar when major changes are implemented to the schedule and format in 2028, but the 37-year-old thinks it's unlikely.
"I guess next year it might change because of the Ryder Cup in Adare, but if it's going to stay in that September date, I don't see how it becomes part of the PGA Tour season when the PGA Tour is going to be played from February to August," he said.
