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By Devlina Sarkar
Contributing Sports Writer
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This year's Ryder Cup was already heated up, and Brandel Chamblee just lit the match.
On Monday, during a segment on Golf Channel, Chamblee labeled Bryson DeChambeau a “captain’s nightmare” and accused him of “drumming up interest for himself” by promoting his YouTube channel instead of focusing on the Ryder Cup.
The criticism landed hard and fast. But Team USA didn’t flinch to back their team member.
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Within 24 hours, the locker room rallied behind DeChambeau, who is impressively the only LIV Golf player to qualify automatically for the US squad.
Despite playing just eight recognized events during the qualification window, DeChambeau earned his automatic qualified spot with six top-10 finishes across majors, including a win at the US Open, last year.
The LIV golfer's ambition for the Ryder Cup was already praised by the captain, but after all the criticism, Keegan Bradley reminded the world of how "fiery" DeChambeau is.
"When you come to a Ryder Cup, you don't want guys to try to be something they're not. We have a lot of calm, mellow guys, so we need the energy from Bryson," Bradley stated during the Tuesday press conference at Bethpage Black.
Scottie Scheffler & Co. Praise Bryson DeChambeau
The World No. 1 too didn't hold back his feelings. Scheffler teed alongside DeChambeau at Whistling Straits back in the 2021 Ryder Cup, and on Tuesday branded him as a “tremendous competitor” and “great partner.”
“He brings a lot of energy, the people love him,” Scheffler told the reporters, as quoted in a transcript. “I’m excited to unleash him this week.”
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Even J.J. Spaun, who claimed the US Open title this season, chimed in.
“I think what people don’t realize, he’s made a huge effort being a part of this team, flying to team dinners, showing up weeks that he’s playing on the LIV (Golf) to where we are on the PGA Tour just to be a part of that team," Spaun expressed before the practice round on Tuesday. "Given his personality and his brand, he’s great with the fans. I think that’s going to be a huge attribute to the team this week.”
If that wasn't enough, Xander Schauffele, considered to be typically reserved, sang the same lines as Scheffler and Bradley.
Sure, DeChambeau’s Ryder Cup record isn’t the best at 2–3–1, but there’s no doubt he has his team’s backing, especially the captain’s. That support isn’t just talk.
Earlier this season, the LIV golfer also turned heads when he flew to Napa for the Procope Championship, even though he was banned from competing. It was a gesture that won millions of hearts in the golf world.
And when it comes to performance, Bryson’s fourball pairing with Scheffler at Whistling Straits in 2021 still stands out. Together, they delivered a 3-1 win over Paul Casey and Tommy Fleetwood, a pairing that could easily be revived this week.
What’s your take on DeChambeau? Drop your thoughts in the comment section below!
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