Ryder Cup: Luke Donald and Zach Johnson press conference
The Ryder Cup is never short of needle or controversial moments and Bryson DeChambeau was only too happy to provide one of them at Whistling Straits in 2021. The big-hitting American was already pumped up before his Saturday afternoon fourballs session alongside Scottie Scheffler, with the USA having already raced into a 9-3 lead by this point.
The duo were up against European pair Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland and the tension became apparent as early as the first hole.
DeChambeau smashed his tee shot well left of the drivable par 4 first hole before chipping onto the green around 30 feet from the hole. He then putted to within three feet of the cup before looking around to see if Fleetwood and Hovland were going to concede his second putt.
But amid windy conditions, the European pair remained silent, ensuring that DeChambeau would need to make his putt. The 2020 US Open champion shook his head before addressing the ball.
After making the putt, instead of heading on his way to the second hole, he rested his armlock putter on the floor with the club head sticking in the hole. He then looked straight at Fleetwood and Hovland to suggest that his club length showed that they should have given him the putt instead of making him play it.
The action was met with loud cheers from the boisterous American crowd but that was pretty much where the adulation ended for DeChambeau regarding the matter.
The Sky Sports commentary team of Butch Harmon, Andrew Coltart, Nick Dougherty and Ewen Murray did not hold back in their condemnation of the gesture.
American Harmon, who has coached Tiger Woods for years, said: “Come on Bryson, that’s just not good. It’s not right, we don’t need it. Just play golf. He was ridiculous. Classless is what it is.”
Former European captain Paul McGinley was on the same page. He said: “This is out of order in my view. Come on, just get on with it. I guess we shouldn’t make too much of a deal of it. It was just a bit of petulance.”
Don’t miss…
Bryson DeChambeau lets rip at Zach Johnson over Team USA Ryder Cup snub[BACKLASH]
Ryder Cup ace Viktor Hovland lived every golf fan’s dream after 22-hour roadtrip[ADVENTURE]
Rory McIlroy cried his eyes out at last Ryder Cup as pressure on European star[LOOK-BACK]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
DeChambeau and Sheffler went on to win the match 3 & 1 as the USA racked up an unassailable 11-5 lead after two days of play.
DeChambeau would also win his singles match on the final day, atoning for his Saturday error by reaching the first green in one before holing out for an eagle against Sergio Garcia.
The 30-year-old Californian was a big player for the USA at Whistling Straits but he will have no involvement this time around. DeChambeau’s decision to join LIV Golf ultimately cost him his Ryder Cup place with only Brooks Koepka making the American team from the breakaway tour.
Source: Read Full Article