Rory McIlroy’s 13-word claim highlights one thing Bryson DeChambeau can’t do with LIV Golf 

Rory McIlroy’s 13-word claim highlights one thing Bryson DeChambeau can’t do with LIV Golf

In the wake of a challenging US Open, Rory McIlroy has his sights set on Olympic success. However, one competitor he won’t face in Paris is Bryson DeChambeau, who previously snatched victory from McIlroy at Pinehurst.

 

McIlroy, the Northern Irish golf sensation, stumbled in the final stretch of the US Open, with three bogeys in the last four holes, paving the way for DeChambeau’s triumph. In response, McIlroy took a three-week hiatus to recover from this setback.

 

Meanwhile, DeChambeau is grappling with his own disappointment. Despite his Pinehurst win, his move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series—a decision that reportedly netted him a $125 million (£96.42 million) contract—has cost him a spot on the US Olympic team for the upcoming Paris Games.

 

As DeChambeau faces exclusion from the Olympics, McIlroy is poised to represent Ireland in Paris, joined by Shane Lowry, Leona Maguire, and Stephanie Meadow. In an interview with the Guardian, McIlroy expressed his aspirations: “In the wider context of how people would see me and what it would do for my legacy or career? I don’t know. I would be unbelievably proud to get any medal in Paris. A gold medal would be one of the proudest moments of my career.”

 

DeChambeau’s shift to LIV Golf has had severe repercussions on his standing in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR). His ranking plummeted to as low as 155, as LIV Golf’s 54-hole format, limited field turnover, and inclusive player roster do not meet OWGR’s criteria. Consequently, DeChambeau’s only avenue for earning OWGR points is through major tournaments, but his victory at Pinehurst wasn’t enough to surpass other top American players.

 

The US team for Paris will feature Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark. Schauffele, who won gold in Tokyo, joins this formidable lineup. The 2016 Olympics saw Matt Kuchar take home bronze.

 

Despite his current predicament, DeChambeau hasn’t given up hope. On a recent episode of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on ESPN, he shared his Olympic aspirations: “I would love to represent the United States. It was tough for me not to go last time around cause of COVID and it was just one of those that happened. Hopefully one day this game of golf will get figured out and come back together and I’ll be able to play. I’m playing great golf, I’m excited.”

 

DeChambeau acknowledges the consequences of his choices: “Ultimately, am I frustrated, disappointed? Sure, you can absolutely say that, but I made the choices that I made and there’s consequences to that, and I respect it, but hopefully sooner rather than later we figure that out.”