Rory McIroy begrudgingly admits Bryson DeChambeaus tour return could bring eyeballs
What came across as criticism in July sounded a lot more like a compliment Tuesday when Rory McIlroy contemplated the nebulous future of Bryson DeChambeau.DeChambeau was theatrical as ever when he protested a two-shot penalty for improving the path of his swing while stomping around in waist-high grass at the British Open.There were questions whether he would withdraw and rumors he was planning to call President Donald Trump.
It led to players having to wait until nearly midnight to get Saturday tee times.“I think a lot of it is performative,” McIlroy said at Royal Birkdale, making clear he was not a big fan of DeChambeau.And now? DeChambeau is searching for a new home after the demise of LIV Golf, which on Tuesday in New Jersey filed a joint Chapter 11 bankruptcy plan.“I think a name like Bryson DeChambeau and everything he brings with him, good and bad, he brings eyeballs, which is a good thing for tournaments,” McIlroy said at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.“And honestly — look, I’m certainly not in his shoes, and nor would I ever want to be — but it doesn’t seem like he’s got many options.If he wants to play competitive golf, it doesn’t seem like he’s got many options.”The PGA Tour typically has a one-year ban of players dating to their most recent LIV Golf appearance, which could be longer if there are other disciplinary considerations (such as DeChambeau being part of the antitrust lawsuit against the tour).He has the option of joining the European tour from winning a major in the last five years.
That was the 2024 U.S.Open at Pinehurst No.
2 when he got up-and-down with a 55-yard bunker shot to win by one over McIlroy, who peeled out of the parking lot without a word.DeChambeau already was planning to play the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, which the European tour co-sanctions, on Dec.4-7.
He has until Sunday to inform the European tour whether he wants to take up membership.It’s DeChambeau’s �...