One thing is for sure: Things will light up at Bethpage if Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau are lined up against each other. It will be even better if they lock horns in the Sunday Singles. This is certainly one of the biggest stories in the 2025 Ryder Cup, and their feud has been building ever since Pinehurst No. 2 in 2024. However, when they do face off, McIlroy has promised that he won’t get into a verbal spat with his rival.

That’s what he has revealed during the press conference nearly 24 hours before the tee off at Bethpage. One of the reporters asked him if he had a message for DeChambeau as they are preparing to battle it out a few hours later. McIlroy told the journalist, “I promised Luke I would only talk about the European Team today. I’m going to stick to it.”

To the disappointment of many of their fans, the Irishman has confirmed that he won’t let emotions get the best of him. His goal at Bethpage will be to do what’s best for Team Europe. And what will be best is for him to remain focused rather than create a scene in New York. He also revealed that he wants to set an example by remaining calm even during tense situations.

“Look, I think, again, it’s so easy to play into narratives this week and to get swept up in this whole rivalries and Ryder Cup and whatever it is. All I want to do is go and try and put blue points on the board. I don’t care who it’s against. If I come up against Bryson at some point, I think that’s great. I think that’s wonderful for the championship and wonderful for us, as well, in some ways,” McIlroy added.

It’s not like he hasn’t gotten into a heated argument before. Many would remember the huge burst between McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay‘s caddie, Joe LaCava. Things got so tense that they took it beyond the fairway and into the parking lot. The two would have thrown punches if Shane Lowry hadn’t interfered to get his friend to back down. However, Rory has promised Luke that he will not have any such drama with Bryson at Bethpage.

For now, his goal is to remain cordial on the course and earn points for the blue team. McIlroy will have a maximum of 5 opportunities to make that happen. While he might be determined to stick to his promise, the Irishman’s recent statements suggest that he has been stirring up the heat between himself and DeChambeau. Will he be able to keep his composure if Bryson is “chirping in his ears?”

Can Rory McIlroy keep his promise if he faces Bryson DeChambeau at Bethpage?

Still bitter about his unresolved issues with Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau had a lot to say during the Happy Gilmore 2 premiere.

“I’ll be chirping in his ear this time. Now, if we go up against each other, I mean, you can be sure of it,” said the LIV Golf pro while speaking to People Magazine.

At first, it seemed like the Irishman had ignored it. But he was only waiting for the right time to respond.

Just days before the 2025 Ryder Cup, McIlroy told the media, “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.” 

While Rory has tried to clear the air today by stating that he is not trying to cause any drama. But, recent dialogues suggest that he may have already stirred enough tension between them that chaos is nearly guaranteed if they do collide at Bethpage. However, DeChambeau has also openly admitted that he has the utmost respect for Rory, but that “rivalries are good for the game of golf ” and that he looks forward to going up against the Northern Irishman.

So yes, the Bethpage crowd is dying to see that happen!