Rory McIlroy’s 13-word claim highlights one thing Bryson DeChambeau can’t do with LIV Golf
Rory McIlroy’s US Open hopes were dashed by Bryson DeChambeau, but there is one thing the Northern Irishman can do that the American cannot.
Bryson DeChambeau of the United States

Rory McIlroy is eyeing Olympic glory after his US Open nightmare. But he won’t be competing against Bryson DeChambeau, who snatched the title from him at Pinehurst.

The Northern Irish golf star faltered in the third major of the season with three bogeys in the final four holes, allowing DeChambeau to claim victory. McIlroy took a three-week break from the sport to regroup and get over the disappointment dealt to him by DeChambeau.

But DeChambeau is digesting a disappointment of his own as he failed to secure a spot on the US team for the upcoming Paris Olympics, due to his controversial move to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series, which reportedly included a $125million (£96.42m) contract.

While DeChambeau will miss out on the chance to compete in Paris, McIlroy is set to represent Ireland alongside Shane Lowry, Leona Maguire and Stephanie Meadow in the French capital. In an interview with the Guardian, McIlroy said: “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 switch to LIV Golf saw his ranking in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) plummet down to as low as 155, reports the Mirror. LIV Golf activities don’t receive acknowledgment by OWGR, as it rejects the 54-hole format, the limited field turnover and the vast player inclusion regardless of performance levels.

His only shot at earning any OWGR points is by participating in major tournaments. His triumph at Pinehurst couldn’t dislodge other American players at the top of the rankings.

Ireland’s Rory Mcilroy reacts after putting on the 18th hole in round 4 of the mens golf individual stroke play during the Tokyo

Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and Wyndham Clark will be representing Team USA. The 2016 Olympics saw Matt Kuchar take home a bronze while Schauffele clinched gold in Tokyo.

DeChambeau recently confessed his hope to one day play for the USA at the Olympics. “I would love to represent the United States,” DeChambeau said during a recent episode of ‘The Pat McAfee Show’ on ESPN.

“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.

“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.”