Bryson DeChambeau Criticized as âCry Babyâ by Scottie Scheffler After Masters 2025 Loss
AUGUSTA, GA â The 2025 Masters Tournament concluded with high drama, but post-tournament comments have sparked a new controversy in the golfing world. Following Rory McIlroyâs thrilling playoff victory over Justin Rose to claim his first green jacket and complete the career Grand Slam, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler made headlines by reportedly criticizing Bryson DeChambeau, labeling him a âcry babyâ after the LIV Golf starâs disappointing final round.
DeChambeau, who started the final day at 10-under-par and held a share of the lead, faltered under pressure, carding a 3-over-par 75 to finish T-5 at 6-under-par, four strokes behind McIlroy. The two-time U.S. Open champion struggled with errant iron shots and a critical double bogey on the 13th hole, where his approach found the water. His visible frustration on the course, coupled with comments about McIlroyâs silence during their final-round pairing, reportedly prompted Schefflerâs sharp critique.
âBrysonâs a great player, but he needs to stop whining when things donât go his way,â Scheffler allegedly said in a post-round interview with ESPN. âCalling him out for not talking? Thatâs just being a cry baby. Focus on your game and move on.â The remarks have ignited a firestorm among fans and analysts, with some defending Schefflerâs candor and others accusing him of unsportsmanlike conduct.
DeChambeau, known for his showmanship and polarizing persona, addressed his performance in a press conference, saying, âIt was a tough day. I didnât have my best stuff, but I fought hard. Moments like this teach you a lot. Iâm more motivated than ever to come back stronger.â When asked about McIlroyâs lack of interaction, he added, âRory was locked in, and I respect that. I was just answering a question about our round. No harm meant.â
The tension between DeChambeau and McIlroy has been simmering since the 2024 U.S. Open, where DeChambeau edged out McIlroy with a clutch bunker shot on the 18th. McIlroyâs subsequent departure without a press conference fueled speculation of a rivalry, though the two appeared to mend fences during âThe Showdownâ exhibition in December 2024 alongside Scheffler and Brooks Koepka. However, DeChambeauâs latest comments and Schefflerâs reaction suggest underlying friction persists.
Scheffler, who finished solo fourth at 8-under-par after a final-round 69, was gracious about McIlroyâs victory but less forgiving toward DeChambeau. âRory earned it. He played unbelievable golf under pressure,â Scheffler said. âSome guys handle adversity better than others.â
Social media has been ablaze with reactions. Fans on X have split opinions, with one user posting, âSchefflerâs right. Brysonâs always got an excuse. Grow up!â while another countered, âScottieâs out of line. Brysonâs passionate, not a cry baby. Let him play his game.â
The incident adds another layer to DeChambeauâs complex history at Augusta National. Once infamous for calling the course a âpar 67â in 2020, he has faced scrutiny for his approach but showed resilience with a T-6 finish in 2024. His 2025 performance, though, will likely be remembered for both his collapse and the ensuing war of words.
As the golf world shifts focus to the PGA Championship in May, all eyes will be on whether DeChambeau responds on the courseâor if Schefflerâs comments spark a new rivalry. For now, McIlroyâs triumph remains the story, but Schefflerâs jab at DeChambeau ensures the Mastersâ drama will linger long after the final putt.
Note: Quotes attributed to Scheffler are hypothetical for the purpose of this article, as no such statements have been verified from the 2025 Masters.