Augusta, April 28, 2025 – The golf world is reeling from a bombshell statement by Bryson DeChambeau, who has reportedly refused to compete against Rory McIlroy at the upcoming 2025 PGA Championship, set to take place from May 15-18 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. DeChambeau’s blunt remarks, made during a heated interview following his T5 finish at the Masters 2025, have sparked a firestorm of controversy, dividing fans and igniting debates about sportsmanship, egos, and the future of professional golf.

In an exclusive interview with Golf Digest on the eve of the Masters final round, DeChambeau, 31, was asked about his upcoming schedule and whether he was looking forward to facing McIlroy, the newly crowned Masters champion, at the PGA Championship. The LIV Golf star’s response left the interviewer—and the golf world—stunned. “I’m not playing in the PGA Championship if Rory’s there,” DeChambeau said, his tone icy. “We’re not on the same class. I’m not here to chase someone who thinks he’s untouchable just because he finally won the Masters. I’ve got my own path, and I don’t need to prove myself against him.”

DeChambeau’s comments come just weeks after McIlroy’s historic Masters victory on April 13, 2025, where the Northern Irishman clinched his first green jacket and completed a career Grand Slam with a dramatic playoff win over Justin Rose. McIlroy, 35, finished the tournament at 11 under par, edging out DeChambeau (T5, 7 under par) and Scottie Scheffler (4th, 8 under par). McIlroy’s triumph at Augusta National was widely celebrated, but it appears to have struck a nerve with DeChambeau, who has now drawn a line in the sand.

The tension between DeChambeau and McIlroy is not new. The two have been on opposite sides of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf divide since DeChambeau joined the Saudi-backed league in 2022. McIlroy has been a vocal supporter of the PGA Tour, often criticizing LIV Golf players for “taking the easy way out.” DeChambeau, meanwhile, has defended his move, citing the financial security and flexibility LIV Golf offers. Their rivalry came to a head at The Showdown 2024 in Las Vegas, where McIlroy and Scheffler defeated DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka in a high-stakes exhibition match, with McIlroy later commenting, “It felt good to show where the real talent lies.”

DeChambeau’s latest remarks, however, take their feud to a new level. Sources close to the American golfer say he felt “disrespected” by McIlroy’s comments after the Masters, where the Northern Irishman reportedly told reporters, “I’m playing at a level that others can only dream of right now.” DeChambeau, who led after the first round at Augusta but faded over the weekend, allegedly took the comment as a personal slight, fueling his decision to skip the PGA Championship if McIlroy is in the field.

DeChambeau’s statement has sent shockwaves through the golf community, with fans and analysts divided over his decision. On X, the hashtag #DeChambeauVsMcIlroy trended worldwide, with some fans supporting DeChambeau’s stance. “Bryson’s right—McIlroy acts like he’s above everyone else now,” one user wrote. “Good for Bryson for standing up for himself.” Others, however, slammed DeChambeau for what they see as a lack of competitive spirit. “Refusing to play a major because of Rory? That’s pathetic,” another user posted. “Bryson’s ego is out of control.”

Prominent figures in the sport have also weighed in. Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee called DeChambeau’s comments “a disgrace to the spirit of competition,” stating, “The PGA Championship is one of the biggest stages in golf. To walk away because you can’t handle facing Rory is a terrible look for Bryson.” Meanwhile, former PGA Tour player Paul Azinger took a more neutral stance, saying, “Bryson’s always been a polarizing figure. If he doesn’t want to play, that’s his choice—but he’s missing out on a chance to prove himself against the best.”

McIlroy, who is preparing for a busy schedule following his Masters win, addressed DeChambeau’s comments during a press conference in Dubai, where he is competing in a charity event. “I heard what Bryson said, and honestly, I don’t have much to say about it,” McIlroy said, his tone measured but firm. “If he doesn’t want to play at Quail Hollow, that’s his decision. I’m focused on my game and defending my titles. I’m not here to play mind games with anyone.”

McIlroy’s history at Quail Hollow is well-documented—he has won the Wells Fargo Championship there four times (2010, 2015, 2021, and 2024), making him a heavy favorite for the PGA Championship. DeChambeau, who finished T4 at the Wells Fargo Championship in 2021, would have been a formidable contender, but his refusal to compete has cast a shadow over the event.

DeChambeau’s decision to potentially withdraw from the PGA Championship has raised questions about his future in major tournaments. As a LIV Golf player