Rory McIlroy has never been afraid to speak his mind, but his latest assessment of Bryson DeChambeau was arguably the most damning yet.
Following the latest controversy involving the LIV Golf star at The Open, McIlroy admitted he is "not particularly fond" of DeChambeau, accusing the American of being "performative" and suggesting much of his behaviour is simply "for attention".
It was a remarkably candid verdict from one of golf's biggest names and laid bare a relationship that has been deteriorating for years.
The latest flashpoint came after DeChambeau was handed a two-shot penalty for improving the area of his intended swing during his second round at Royal Birkdale.
The ensuing dispute with R&A officials dragged on for hours, delaying the release of third-round tee times before DeChambeau eventually confirmed he would continue in the tournament.
McIlroy had little sympathy.
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"I think the two-shot penalty was justified," the Northern Irishman said before adding: "I'm not particularly fond of him.
"I think a lot of it's performative. I think a lot of it's for attention.
"To hold the tournament hostage like that... I didn't feel like it was a great look."
While those comments have grabbed the headlines, the tension between the pair stretches back much further.
The biggest fracture came with the launch of LIV Golf. McIlroy became the PGA Tour's most vocal defender, repeatedly criticising the Saudi-backed circuit and many of the players who defected.
DeChambeau was among the biggest names to make the switch, placing the two stars on opposite sides of golf's civil war.
Their rivalry intensified on the course as well. DeChambeau famously denied McIlroy a second US Open title after the Northern Irishman faltered late at Pinehurst, with the American producing a stunning finish to claim the major championship.
Then came last year's Masters.
Playing together in the final group, McIlroy barely spoke to DeChambeau throughout the round.
Afterward, DeChambeau admitted he had been surprised by the silence, saying McIlroy "wouldn't talk to me once all day".
McIlroy later insisted it was simply part of his strategy to remain focused rather than a personal snub, but the episode only fuelled speculation that there was little warmth between the pair.
McIlroy's latest remarks now leave little room for interpretation.
Although professional golfers are not expected to be close friends, it is rare for one of the sport's leading figures to state so openly that he is not fond of a rival.
With both men among golf's biggest personalities and regular contenders at the majors, every future encounter will now carry an added edge.
Golf has witnessed plenty of famous rivalries over the decades, but McIlroy's public criticism suggests his relationship with DeChambeau has moved beyond sporting competition into genuine personal dislike.
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