Tensions boiled over between Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Rose during their Saturday afternoon Ryder Cup match.
Justin Rose asked Bryson DeChambeau’s caddie to move out of the way of his putt before making a momentum-shifting birdie on the 15th hole. DeChambeau didn’t take kindly to that, causing a confrontation on the green between the pair.
That spilled over to the walk down to the 16th hole, as Tommy Fleetwood, his caddie Ian Finnis and Europe’s vice-captain Francesco Molinari joined the altercation along with Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott. Eventually, tempers settled, and Fleetwood and Rose went on to win the match.
It wasn’t the only example of the atmosphere turning sour at Bethpage Black. The New York crowd turned against Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, prompting state troopers to be called in to defuse the situation.
In that environment, it’s understandable that tempers could flare among the players, especially when the Americans were being beaten so badly. But it’s still a black mark on DeChambeau’s Ryder Cup, which has seen him take the role as America’s leader.
Rich Beem says Bryson DeChambeau’s altercation with Justin Rose was ‘out of hand’
Rose looked to have every right to ask DeChambeau’s caddie to move out of his way. He was in his line of sight during one of his biggest putts of the tournament. DeChambeau’s reaction, while understandable, seemed over the top and more of a reflection of the scoreboard than the incident itself.
Rich Beem thought that the incident crossed the line for what is acceptable in the heat of battle. He said on Sky Sports, “I don’t mind them getting chirpy, but all of a sudden Francesco Molinari gets bumped into by Ted Scott, blaming him for having done it earlier.
“Listen, this is where I think it gets really out of hand. Fingers pointing. Guys putting their arms on each other and pushing them away. I like the heat, but not this.”
Rose called the confrontation a “shame” after what was a great match, and added that it should be water under the bridge moving forward. This should only be a small part of what is remembered of an incredible win from the English pairing over Team USA’s superstars.
Andrew Coltart defends Bryson DeChambeau over Justin Rose confrontation
It seems unfair to hold players to their typical standards in moments like these. This Ryder Cup in particular has produced one of, if not the most, intense atmospheres the sport has seen. It was always going to bubble over at some point.
Andrew Coltart also weighed in on the incident and defended DeChambeau. He said on Sky Sports that his behavior was understandable, given the circumstances.
He added: “You have got to understand the pressure is intense, relentless. They have bottled this up all day. America are getting absolutely drummed out there and I’m not condoning the behaviour but it’s understandable how some of it spills over the top.”
On top of the environment and Team USA’s impending loss, DeChambeau was being well beaten alongside the world number one, Scheffler. It was embarrassing for the two of them.
The LIV Golf star is a fierce competitor, and who wants a good loser? The best players in the world should not take losing lightly, and American fans may appreciate DeChambeau showing some heart and fight as his team goes down swinging.
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