Bryson DeChambeau is getting ready to step onto the world’s biggest stage at Bethpage Black. As the lone American on the U.S. Ryder Cup team not playing the PGA Tour, Koepka looks to fire up the home American fans with their home team. DeChambeau has drawn scorn from other golfers and golf pundits. His teammates feel that he can be a real difference maker for the American team and have consistently rallied around him.
U.S. team member Keegan Bradley knew he could count on DeChambeau. He thinks DeChambeau might be the “X factor” at the Ryder Cup. Bradley emphasized that DeChambeau’s dynamic presence can provide the necessary energy, stating, “When you come to a Ryder Cup, you don’t want guys to try to be something they’re not. We have a good group of pretty low-key, mellow dudes, and I think we need the energy that Bryson brings to the mix.”
DeChambeau, a former two-time U.S. Open champion, now mostly plays on the LIV Golf tour. His absence from the PGA Tour has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Rory McIlroy, who remarked, “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.” McIlroy went on to explain a little more about DeChambeau’s approach. He pointed out that it requires a massive amount of attention getting by name dropping other people, including self, Scottie Scheffler.
Brandel Chamblee, a Golf Channel analyst, labeled DeChambeau a “captain’s nightmare,” accusing him of prioritizing his YouTube channel over discussing the Ryder Cup. Chamblee’s comments implied that DeChambeau has drifted further down the path of self-promotion over concentrating on building camaraderie on the squad. He claimed that DeChambeau’s current tour participation makes it seem as if he is “mostly could be in the witness protection program.”
In reply to McIlroy’s comments, and Chamblee’s criticism, DeChambeau just tried so hard to keep everything rosy. He stated, “Whatever Rory says and whatnot is great. He didn’t mean anything by it. I’m excited; I hope we can have some good banter back and forth and if not and he wants to do what he’s doing, great, no problem. Crowd’s going to be on our side.” His comments give a glimpse into his efforts to stay on message and stay out of the weeds with the needed competition coming up.
Teammates haven’t been the only supporters to rally around DeChambeau. His fellow Olympic golfer, Xander Schauffele, called DeChambeau a “tremendous competitor” and “great partner.” The American duo first joined forces at the 2021 Ryder Cup held at Whistling Straits. Scottie Scheffler echoed similar sentiments, noting that DeChambeau brings a unique energy that resonates with fans: “He brings a lot of energy. The people love him.”
With the Ryder Cup knocking on the door, speculation grows about what DeChambeau can do. Fans and analysts alike continue to debate what his role should be on this team. His ability to connect with the audience at Bethpage Black may prove vital for the U.S. squad’s morale and overall performance.
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