With the players wearing microphones throughout the event, it promised the prospect of some entertaining exchanges on the course.

The bar was set on the day before the event when DeChambeau threw a cutting barb at McIlroy over his staggering collapse at the US Open in June.

McIlroy blew a two-shot lead with five holes to play at Pinehurst, missing a golden chance to end his 10-year major drought and presenting the title to DeChambeau instead.

On the driving range, McIlroy attempted to ramp up the excitement by saying he wanted to face the American in the singles and avenge that chastening experience.

“I’d like to go up against Bryson and try and get him back for what he did to me at the US Open,” he said.

DeChambeau sensed his opportunity without a missing a beat. “To be fair you kind of did it to yourself,” came the deadpan reply.

On the day itself, arguably the most amusing moment came when McIlroy and Scheffler received their winnings – a $10m cryptocurrency purse put up by the event’s sponsors.

“What are you going to do with yours,” a smirking McIlroy asked Scheffler, who won over $29m of prize money during his stunning 2024 season.

“I dunno,” said a bemused Scheffler.

The Masters champion added: “You know, I don’t know a whole lot about crypto, but this is some good motivation to do some research and figure out what is going on.”