What a lot of PGA Tour players really think of Bryson DeChambeau after his comments about Rory McIlroy at The Masters.

In the aftermath of one of the most dramatic Masters tournaments in recent history, Bryson DeChambeau has once again become the center of controversy—not because of his booming drives or scientific approach to the game, but due to a few incendiary remarks directed at four-time major champion Rory McIlroy.

During a post-round interview following Saturday’s third round at Augusta National, DeChambeau—who was in contention for his first green jacket—made a statement that sent shockwaves through the golfing world.

When asked about McIlroy’s struggles on the greens and overall performance at The Masters, DeChambeau smirked and responded: “Rory’s a great player, sure, but maybe it’s time we stop pretending he’s the guy to beat. He hasn’t won a major in over a decade. The hype doesn’t match the results anymore.”

The Reaction: PGA Tour Locker Room Erupts

DeChambeau’s words ignited a firestorm among his fellow players. While he has long been a polarizing figure on the PGA Tour—respected for his talent but often criticized for his brashness—this latest episode appears to have crossed a line for many.

One top-20 player, speaking anonymously, didn’t hold back: “Bryson’s got the ego of ten major champions, and he’s won one. To take a cheap shot at Rory, a guy who’s carried this sport in the post-Tiger era, it’s just disrespectful. There’s a reason so many guys keep their distance from him.”

Justin Thomas, always candid with the media, shared his thoughts during his press conference on Sunday: “Look, Rory hasn’t won a major lately, sure, but he’s one of the best ambassadors this game has. Bryson taking a jab like that says more about him than it does about Rory.”

Even Scottie Scheffler, who is typically soft-spoken and diplomatic, offered a subtle rebuke: “I have immense respect for Rory and everything he’s done. I think when you’ve won what he’s won and led the game the way he has, he’s earned more respect than that.”

Rory’s Response: Calm, Cool, and Class

Despite being the target of DeChambeau’s jab, Rory McIlroy responded with trademark grace. When asked about the remarks, McIlroy said:

“I’ve been around long enough to know that talk doesn’t win you trophies. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I’ll focus on my game, and hopefully, my next major speaks louder than any quote ever could.”

That calm demeanor has only earned McIlroy more admiration from his peers. Max Homa, who played a practice round with McIlroy earlier in the week, said, “Rory’s all class. No matter what people say about him, he shows up, puts in the work, and treats everyone with respect. That’s what leadership looks like.”

A Longstanding Rift Intensifies

This isn’t the first time tension between DeChambeau and McIlroy has made headlines. During the height of the PGA Tour-LIV Golf rift, DeChambeau—who joined LIV Golf in 2022—publicly clashed with McIlroy, one of the most vocal defenders of the traditional tour. While they had seemingly buried the hatchet in recent months, this latest comment has clearly reopened old wounds.

Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee weighed in during Sunday’s coverage, saying, “Bryson seems to have a pattern—when things are going well for him, he can’t help but take a swing at someone else. Unfortunately, that’s not the behavior of someone who wants to lead the game forward.”

Behind the Curtain: What Players Really Think

Several current and former players are now speaking more freely about DeChambeau’s place in the game and in the locker room.

A veteran on the tour put it bluntly: “Bryson’s an incredible talent, but he makes it hard for guys to root for him. It’s not just the Rory thing—it’s a pattern of arrogance, of trying to position himself as the smartest guy in the room. That wears thin.”

Others pointed to DeChambeau’s decision to leave the PGA Tour for LIV Golf, and his more recent efforts to rehabilitate his image as reasons why his comments have sparked such backlash. “He’s tried to win back goodwill,” one player said. “But then he says stuff like this, and it feels like two steps forward, five steps back.”

The Bigger Picture: Golf’s Civil War Not Over Yet

Though the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have made moves toward unification, this moment serves as a stark reminder that underlying tensions remain. DeChambeau’s comments not only struck at McIlroy personally but symbolized a broader divide in golf’s elite ranks—between tradition and disruption, between respect and brash individualism.

As the golf world turns its attention to the upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla, the question remains: will Bryson double down, or will he attempt to mend fences?

For now, one thing is certain—Bryson DeChambeau has once again ensured that wherever he goes, the spotlight—and the controversy—follows.

And Rory McIlroy, quiet as ever, might just let his clubs do the talking come May.