The prestigious Masters tournament is set to begin with the opening round on Thursday, and two of the most talked-about golfers entering this year\u2019s competition are 2025 first-time winner Rory McIlroy<\/a> and LIV Golf<\/a> star Bryson DeChambeau.<\/p>\n Last year, it seemed poised to be McIlroy and DeChambeau battling for the green jacket on Sunday, a pairing that has faced off on final days of multiple tournaments.<\/p>\n However, DeChambeau had his worst day of the weekend on that Sunday, shooting 3-over par to finish tied for fifth, while McIlroy went into a playoff with Justin Rose and ultimately claimed the victory.<\/p>\n The two have been positioned as rivals for some time now, sparking debates about whether a true rivalry exists \u2014 a topic DeChambeau addressed on Tuesday while speaking to the media.<\/p>\n More news: <\/strong>The Masters Announce Historic Scottie Scheffler News Ahead of Opening Round<\/a><\/p>\n More news:<\/strong> <\/strong>3 Longshots Who Could Win the 2026 Masters<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cYeah, I mean, it’s great if we can continue to have a rivalry. I don’t see any problem with that. If anything, it kind of helps create more buzz around the game of golf,” DeChambeau said.<\/p>\n He was also quick to emphasize his respect for McIlroy.<\/p>\n \u201cDo I respect him as an individual? 100%. Do I want to beat him every time I see him? Absolutely. There’s no question about it. But I think that’s what’s so brilliant about the game of golf \u2014 that juxtaposition, having that sportsmanlike respect and then wanting to just absolutely beat the living you-know-what out of him. It’s one of those things: I got him at Pinehurst, he got me here, and I hope there’s more of those to come because it’s great for the game.\u201d<\/p>\n DeChambeau\u2019s comments had fans buzzing ahead of the tournament, with some questioning whether a true rivalry exists between him and McIlroy, while others praised his response.<\/p>\n \u201cThink it\u2019s more of a one-sided rivalry. Rory left Bryson in the dust at Augusta last year. Bryson didn\u2019t contend after the third hole,\u201d one fan wrote.<\/p>\n Another added: \u201cStop pushing for a rivalry. Rory doesn\u2019t care. No one else cares. There\u2019s never been a rivalry before. Doesn\u2019t need one now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBryson wants a rivalry whereas Rory does not care,\u201d another fan chimed in.<\/p>\n \u201cRory could never say anything remotely as respectful as this,\u201d one fan remarked.<\/p>\n \u201cWell spoken,\u201d another added.<\/p>\n More news: <\/strong>Golf Legend Refuses to Watch the Masters After Augusta National Snub<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.newsweek.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/GettyImages-2210125399.jpg?w=640&quality=80&webp=1)