Justin Thomas has made it clear where his loyalties lie following the latest tension between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau. After DeChambeau appeared to criticize McIlroy for ignoring him during the Masters, Thomas, a longtime friend of McIlroy, has subtly but unmistakably taken Rory’s side.
The tension between McIlroy and DeChambeau bubbled up after Bryson suggested that the Northern Irishman didn’t speak to him throughout the Masters week at Augusta National, despite their shared past in golf’s upper circles. DeChambeau, now one of the most prominent figures in LIV Golf, hinted that McIlroy’s cold shoulder was personal, stemming from the ongoing divide between LIV and PGA Tour players.
While McIlroy himself has largely stayed quiet publicly, Justin Thomas didn’t shy away from showing support. Speaking at a press conference ahead of this week’s tournament, Thomas was asked if he had witnessed any awkward moments between players at Augusta. With a grin, Thomas said, “I know who my friends are. That’s all I’ll say.”
It was a simple comment, but it spoke volumes. Thomas and McIlroy have long shared a close bond, often practicing together and vacationing off the course. Their alliance has only strengthened amid golf’s fractured landscape, where loyalties between PGA Tour loyalists and LIV Golf defectors remain a hot topic.
Thomas’ words were seen by many as a clear indication that he views McIlroy’s decision to distance himself from DeChambeau — and others who left for LIV — as justified. While DeChambeau has tried to downplay the drama, claiming he harbors no hard feelings, the growing frostiness between him and players like McIlroy and Thomas suggests otherwise.
As the golf world continues to adjust to its divided reality, moments like these remind fans that the splits aren’t just about tournaments and money — they’re personal too. And if Justin Thomas’ quiet endorsement is anything to go by, Rory McIlroy isn’t standing alone.
