Rory McIlroy can achieve Bryson DeChambeau goal as LIV Golf star pays ultimate price
Bryson DeChambeau shattered Rory McIlroy’s dreams at the US Open, but the Northern Irishman now has a unique chance to accomplish something the American star craves – winning an Olympic gold medal.
DeChambeau’s triumphant pursuit of McIlroy at Pinehurst, culminating in a dramatic victory, left a lasting scar. The Northern Irishman’s collapse, marked by three bogeys in the final four holes, allowed DeChambeau to snatch victory. In the aftermath, McIlroy took a three-week hiatus to grapple with his latest major disappointment.
However, DeChambeau faces his own heartbreak as he failed to qualify for the United States’ Olympic team for the Paris Games. His lucrative move to LIV Golf, reportedly worth $125 million (£96.42m), came at a steep price, excluding him from events that contribute to his Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR).
LIV Golf’s format, which includes 54-hole events, limited field turnover, and player guarantees, is not recognized by the OWGR. Consequently, DeChambeau’s ranking plummeted to 155 during the 2023 season before a surge to 38th following his US Open win.
Despite his recent resurgence, DeChambeau could not climb high enough in the rankings to secure a spot on the Olympic team. The United States will be represented by World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, defending gold medallist Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark. Historically, American golfers have shined in the Olympics, with Matt Kuchar claiming bronze in Rio 2016 and Schauffele winning gold in Tokyo.
In contrast, McIlroy will proudly represent Ireland in Paris, joined by Shane Lowry, Leona Maguire, and Stephanie Meadow. Speaking to The Guardian about the prospect of winning a gold medal, McIlroy shared, “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, while enjoying financial success with LIV Golf, has expressed deep regret over missing the chance to compete in the Olympics. In an appearance on ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on ESPN, he lamented, “I would love to represent the United States. It was tough for me not to go last time around because 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. 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.”
As McIlroy prepares for his shot at Olympic glory, the stage is set for him to achieve what DeChambeau can only dream of – a gold medal that would etch his name in the annals of golf history and bring a sense of redemption after the heartbreak at Pinehurst.
