Bryson DeChambeau gives his take on Rory McIlroy’s dramatic reaction to the US Open loss - “Everybody has their own coping mechanism”
Rory McIlroy made headlines with his early exit from Pinehurst following his loss at the US Open 2024. While Bryson DeChambeau stayed back late into the night to celebrate his second ever Major win, the Northern Irishman denied post-event interviews and flew straight back home on his private jet.
McIlroy faced some backlash for the decision to leave early as many deemed it unprofessional. However, DeChambeau has now come out to defend his rival amid the criticism. Putting himself in the four-time Major champion’s shoes, the LIV golfer said the former is a “great golfer” and he has his own “coping mechanisms” like everyone else.
The 30-year-old golfer, who became a fan favorite at Pinehurst this weekend, added that he might’ve acted similarly if he was in McIlroy’s position. The golfer stated that he tries to forget bad results as soon as the event is over and move on.
Speaking about Rory McIlroy’s actions after the loss, Bryson DeChambeau said on the Pat McAfee Show (at 12:28):
“Everybody has their own coping mechanisms. And mine for example, I just try to be like Rory. I just forget. I just, literally whatever happened is immediately past just you completely forget. I know it's so cliche and kind of funny to say but for me, I literally just don't even try to think about it and just go forward move forward.
"Whatever happened when I lost the PGA (Championship), I was on to the next. Like ‘okay got to go in the next one,’ that was kind of my thought process going into it. And that's the way I hope Rory is. And he's a great golfer.”
Bryson DeChambeau stated that he’d “love to have more battles with” McIlroy in the future. He also admitted to being excited for The Open Championship taking place next month.
Rory McIlroy congratulates Bryson DeChambeau for US Open win in online statement
McIlroy broke his silence about the heartbreaking US Open 2024 loss on Monday. The PGA Tour star released a statement to make some comments, which he denied after the event. In a social media post, the Northern Irishman congratulated Bryson DeChambeau for the win. The golfer dubbed his rival LIV golfer a “worthy champion.”
McIlroy went on to detail his loss in the release. He claimed that Sunday might’ve been the “toughest” day he’s had in his nearly 17-year-old professional career. Interestingly, he also revealed that he won’t be competing in some of the upcoming PGA Tour events, including the Travelers Championship.
Rory McIlroy said in a statement posted on his social media handle:
“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I've had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer. Firstly, I'd like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now… As I reflect on my week, I'll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly, the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day…
"As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have. The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient… I'm going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon. See you in Scotland.”
McIlroy, who bagged a $2,300,000 paycheck for finishing second at the US Open, added that he’ll return for the Scottish Open in July, a week ahead of The Open Championship at Royal Troon. Interestingly, Bryson DeChambeau will also be at the event.