Bryson DeChambeau responds to Rory McIlroy: "That's really all I have to say"

Bryson DeChambeau has not ruled out making a future appearance at the Irish Open after Rory McIlroy suggested during the final men's major of the year the American would receive a warm reception. 

The back-to-back Masters champion reignited his rivalry with the 32-year-old LIV Golf recruit at last week's Open Championship. 

McIlroy, 37, made it clear that he felt DeChambeau was deserving of the two-shot penalty he received at Royal Birkdale for trampling down the long grass on the fifth hole and added he was "not particularly fond" of the two-time U.S. Open champion. 

The Northern Irishman also accused DeChambeau of holding the 154th Open "hostage" as his heated exchanges with rules officials led to a delay in the publication of round three tee times. 

But despite not being a fan of DeChambeau, McIlroy acknowledged that DeChambeau's presence at the Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg would boost the event. 

The 2026 Irish Open will be played over 10-13 September. 

"Having someone like Bryson at the Irish Open would be great for the tournament, absolutely," McIlroy said.

Responding to McIlroy's comments after the third round of LIV Golf UK, DeChambeau said he would tee up if it "fits in the schedule". 

He added: "I'd love to go play. I love playing internationally and that's what we do here at LIV. 

"Anywhere I can go to support great golf in a good place, I'm all for.

"So we'll see if it fits in and it makes sense for the schedule. That's really all I have to say."

The Irish Open is one of the the DP World Tour's flagship events and has attracted stronger fields in recent years, particularly because of the inclusion of McIlroy and former Open champion Shane Lowry. 

Notable stars who will pay this year include Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin and Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard.

McIlroy won the 2025 Irish Open at the K Club in dramatic fashion.

He holed a 27-foot eagle putt on the 72nd hole to send the crowd into a frenzy and force a sudden-death playoff against Joakim Lagergren.

McIlroy made birdie on the third extra hole to win his national open for the second time in his career.

Since joining LIV Golf in 2022, DeChambeau's appearances outside the breakaway circuit have largely been limited to the four major championships and a handful of other events, such as on the Asian Tour's International Series. 

DeChambeau is unlikely to play on the Asian Tour next year, though, if LIV Golf doesn't survive. 

The league is reeling from the withdrawal of Saudi Arabian backing and reportedly will find out on 1 September whether the league will exist in 2027. 

Earlier this week, the Asian Tour announced it was abandoning its partnership with LIV in favour of a deal with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.