Tiger Woods’ ex-coach backs Bryson DeChambeau’s brutal jibe at Rory McIlroy

Tiger Woods’ former coach, Hank Haney, has endorsed Bryson DeChambeau’s sharp dig at Rory McIlroy ahead of the LIV x PGA Showdown. Haney agreed with DeChambeau’s statement that it wasn’t DeChambeau’s performance, but McIlroy’s errors that ultimately cost the latter the U.S. Open.

Bryson DeChambeau and Rory McIlroy are at Shadow Creek for the LIV x PGA Showdown, which will be played on Tuesday, December 17. Alongside the duo, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka will also compete in this first-of-its-kind event.

During practice ahead of the Showdown, McIlroy told DeChambeau that he would like to take revenge for his loss at the US Open. In response, the US Open winner’s reply left the four-time Major champion speechless.

"Well to be fair you kind of did it to yourself," he replied

Haney reposted the clip on X and wrote,

"True."

For the uninitiated, McIlroy was cruising to win his first Major championship in 10 years at Pinehurst. However, he made three bogeys on the last five holes and missed crucial putts on the 16th and 18th, finishing as runner-up. On the other hand, DeChambeau kept his nerves, and his steady play on the final holes helped him secure his second Major championship.

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Can Rory McIlroy beat Bryson DeChambeau in the Showdown?

According to the latest odds, Rory McIlroy and his PGA Tour partner Scottie Scheffler are the favorites at the first-ever LIV x PGA Showdown. The duo is listed at -148, while LIV Golf's Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka are at +122.

Regarding recent form, McIlroy is playing his first event since winning the Race to Dubai for a record sixth time. Last month, he claimed his third DP World Tour Championship, securing the season race title and equaling Seve Ballesteros. This season, McIlroy won twice on the PGA Tour and twice on the European Tour.

Scheffler had an impressive season, winning seven PGA Tour titles in addition to the Olympic gold medal. He also defended his title at the Hero World Challenge, an unofficial event on the Tour. Furthermore, he was part of the winning U.S. team at the Presidents Cup.

For LIV Golf professionals, Bryson DeChambeau finished the season with a U.S. Open win, a runner-up finish at the PGA Championship, and a T6 finish at the Masters tournament.

Brooks Koepka struggled at the Major championships but still found success, winning the LIV Golf Greenbrier to become the winningest player on the Saudi-backed circuit.