Key Bethpage Black course change could see fireworks between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau has already started the mind-games with Rory McIlroy ahead of the Ryder Cup and course change could see their rivalry hit fever-pitch.

A fierce feud has emerged between the pair, who are now set to be on opposite sides of Team USA vs Team Europe at Bethpage Black next month.

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DeChambeau recently aimed to reignite a war of words with McIlroy in the latest chapter in their rivalry that has dominated the past year.

The latter’s dramatic collapse in the 2024 US Open saw DeChambeau snatch victory before telling him, ‘You did that to yourself’.

McIlroy exacted revenge a few months later at The Masters to win the first major of the year after teeing off alongside the American.

In doing so, the world No.2 finally ended his 11-year drought at the majors and completed the career grand slam.

However, DeChambeau did his best to take the shine away by complaining McIlroy ignored him throughout the day.

The duo even differ on YouTube golf, with DeChambeau one of its biggest stars and McIlroy publicly voicing his lack of interest.

Now, DeChambeau has been busy relishing the prospect of a Ryder Cup showdown with his old foe at Bethpage Black next month.

Speaking to People, the LIV star made it clear he’d take a more vocal approach to a showdown with McIlroy, this time around.

DeChambeau said: “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,” DeChambeau added, laughing: “I’ll get into his ear a little bit.”

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Bethpage Black makes changes ahead of Ryder Cup

The two-time US Open champion may have the perfect opportunity to do just that, due to the tweaks made to Bethpage Black.

The 89-year-old course has undergone adjustments to the fairways, tee boxes and the rough to play to the USA team’s strengths.

The first hole has undergone a notable change, with the normal championship tees playing from 430 yards.

But a new forward tee has been built to accommodate the Ryder Cup’s customary imposing grandstand that encircles the tee box.

As a result, it may potentially be drivable for the longer hitters – of which both McIlroy and DeChambeau are among the best around.

They will also enjoy the rough, which ranges from 3 to 5 inches deep at Bethpage Black, but is expected to be cut to 2½–2¼ inches.

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What did McIlroy do at the last Ryder Cup?

McIlroy is no stranger to Ryder Cup bust-ups, having confronted Brooks Koepka’s caddie, Ricky Elliott, in September 2023.

Luke Donald led Europe to a dominant win over the USA in Rome, following the Americans’ 2021 one-sided victory in Whistling Straits.

Despite this, McIlroy became enraged by Patrick Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava, during a dramatic finish to the second day.

After words were exchanged on the 18th green, McIlroy was seen furiously shouting at Justin Thomas‘ caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ MacKay.

The 36-year-old, who was then bundled into a car by Shane Lowry, later revealed it was the angriest he has ever felt on a golf course.

‘Rocky McIlroy’, as he was referred to by Justin Rose, contributed a tournament-best four points to help Europe regain the Ryder Cup.

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When is the 2025 Ryder Cup?

The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup will take place from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28.

It is being held at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

talkSPORT will have live coverage throughout the week. More information will follow soon.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

The action will also be shown live on Sky Sports Golf.