RORY McILROY seemed to rekindle his rivalry with American powerhouse Bryson DeChambeau following Europe’s Ryder Cup win.
During the visitors’ celebrations on Sunday, the Northern Irish star, 36, could be seen unfurling a European flag on a Ryder Cup gantry bearing the golfers’ names.
Encouraged by teammate Matt Fitzpatrick, he then proceeded to hang the flag over the edge of the barrier, and over DeChambeau’s name.
While it is impossible to say if it was certain, McIlroy certainly appeared to be aware of what he was doing as he looked over the edge and neatly stretched the flag so that only a part of the U was left visible.
Fans found the antics hilarious, with one user saying on X: “Peak trolling! Love that from Rory! He took it all week, time to give some back.”
Another fan added: “Now, that’s banter, European style. Harmless fun. USA take note.”
And a third fan celebrated the jab after the tough reception that McIlroy and his wife Erica had received since arriving at the tournament.
They said: “Top trolling this is. loving the US fans reaction – slagged him and his wife off all week, chucked beer on his wife and then crying over the loss.”
Erica Stoll was the innocent recipient of several instances of abuse from the home fans, including having a drink thrown at her, prompting her husband to later slam the crowd in a press conference.
It seems he has now got his own back in his own unique way, stamping his sense of humour on a spectacular win for Team Europe.
It was the latest blow in a long-term feud between the world No. 2 and DeChambeau.
Their rivalry was whipped up at the US Open in June 2024, where DeChambeau pipped McIlroy to the trophy in the final holes after the European dropped three shots in the final four holes.
The pair made playful digs at each other about the collapse in the build up to LIV Golf/PGA Tour ‘The Showdown’ event in December of last year.
McIlroy said in a promotional video: “I’d like to go up against Bryson and get him back for what he did to me at the US Open.”
But DeChambeau reminded him of his collapse, saying: “To be fair, you kind of did that to yourself.”
Months later, McIlroy refused to talk to DeChambeau when they were paired up in the final round of the Masters in April of this year.
Rory brushed off the American’s complaints at the time, telling the press after his victory: “My battle was with myself. It wasn’t with anyone else.”
However, DeChambeau would heat things up again in July when he said he would “be chirping in [McIlroy’s] ear this time” at the Ryder Cup.
McIlroy gave a blunt response to the Guardian in the week before the tournament’s start, saying: “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.”
McIlroy’s Europe left Bethpage Black as the victors[/caption]
It seems McIlroy has gotten the last laugh this time, both on the course and off it.
DeChambeau’s impressive comeback against Fitzpatrick was indicative of a massive fightback from America, who had entered the final day down 12-5.
Stars like Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and McIlroy himself lost their matches as a comeback began to seem possible, but Irishman Shane Lowry held his nerve to share the points with Russell Henley and retain the Cup for Europe.
Tyrrell Hatton’s tie with Collin Morikawa was enough to tip Europe over the edge and win them the event, sparking massive celebrations from the golfers.
