No Blockbuster Pairing for Oakmont’s Opening Round
Golf fans hoping for fireworks at the start of this week’s U.S. Open were buzzing after social media rumors claimed Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy would tee off together. The two have history—most recently as the final group at the Masters and dramatic rivals at last year’s U.S. Open—but Golf Digest insider Joel Beall quickly set the record straight: there’s no head-to-head battle scheduled for the opening rounds.
Rumors Sparked by Past Clashes
Speculation soared because DeChambeau and McIlroy’s on-course tension has made for must-watch golf. From McIlroy’s heartbreak at Pinehurst to a frosty Masters final round where the two barely exchanged words, fans are hungry for another showdown. But, sticking with U.S. Open tradition, the defending champion (DeChambeau) will instead be grouped with the reigning U.S. Amateur and Open champions—not with McIlroy.
Both Stars Chasing Form, Not Each Other
If they do meet on the leaderboard, it will have to wait until the weekend. Both players, however, arrive at Oakmont searching for answers with their drivers. McIlroy’s struggles off the tee have been well documented, including a rough showing at the RBC Canadian Open, while DeChambeau admitted his own driving was below his usual standards at LIV Golf Virginia. Both know they’ll need to dial it in to contend on Oakmont’s punishing layout.
Who Will Step Up at Oakmont?
With 156 players set to compete—including 13 LIV Golf stars—Oakmont promises plenty of drama even without a DeChambeau-McIlroy pairing. For now, the rivalry remains on ice, but if both players find their groove, golf fans could get the marquee matchup they’re craving by Sunday.
Is the DeChambeau vs. McIlroy rivalry the most thrilling in golf right now, or just overhyped? Let us know your take!