We are children of the time we live in and should be accustomed to certain things. On the other hand, it is highly recommended never to lose the ability to be surprised. You know, whenever possible, let’s see the glass half full. This reflection comes in light of the unanimity shown by the American team in identifying their true X Factor this week at the Ryder Cup. We can tell you in advance that it is not the crowd, although it is related. It has a name and surname, and it is not Scottie Scheffler. That’s how it is.
The United States team already played 18 holes at Bethpage on Monday, but today, Tuesday, is the official first day of the Ryder Cup. It is, for example, the first day of open doors for the public and also a day when half of the American team has made themselves available to journalists. The first to speak, probably due to the hierarchy, was Scottie Scheffler. However, the name on everyone’s lips has been Bryson DeChambeau. He and only he is the X Factor for the United States this week. Or at least that’s how his teammates and the captain see it. Yes, Scheffler is the Number One, excellent, and they stand by him, but when it comes to heating up the Ryder Cup, they turn to DeChambeau.
The captain is the first to jump on that bandwagon. “I think just for his golfing ability, he’s already an ‘X Factor’ for our team, but he’s also a very fiery player. In a Ryder Cup, you don’t want people trying to be something they’re not. We have a lot of calm, serene guys, so we need Bryson’s energy, and he brings it every day in practice rounds, in the team room, and hopefully in the competition as well,” explains Bradley.
The United States team sees DeChambeau as a differential element, to the point of considering that his points may be even more valuable than others. It’s not just anyone saying this. It’s Xander Schauffele speaking. “I was telling Keegan that I feel Bryson could be the difference for us in a strange way, from the perspective of connecting with the fans, because of the style of golf he plays. I make a putt, and you won’t see much reaction. That’s just me. That’s how I operate. Maybe I’ll change this week, who knows. These Ryder Cups sometimes bring out the best in you. But Bryson is like… this is his element. If he sees himself as a golf gladiator, this is the best there is. He’s been great. He’s been great in the locker room. I’m excited to see what he can do and, hopefully, get a lot of points on the board because his points can “hit” harder than mine, for example, simply because of how he can celebrate and get these fans into the tournament quickly.”
Someone as cool as ice like Patrick Cantlay (although he hid it well in Rome) shares the same opinion as his good friend Schauffele. He considers DeChambeau an extra point for the United States. “He’s great in team tournaments. I was watching him hit drivers on the practice field the other day, and I’m glad he’s on our side. He’s a showman. I think he’s going to fire up the crowd. He’s fantastic every time he’s on these teams because he’s an extraordinary player.
Even Scottie Scheffler himself explains with his particular sense of humour what a player like DeChambeau brings in a week like the Ryder Cup. Something like the Tasmanian devil. “He’s a tremendous competitor. He’s also a great teammate. I played with him in 2021 at Whistling Straits, and he was fantastic. He’s a good friend and has been great in the locker room. He brings a lot of energy, people love him, and I think he loves the opportunity to represent his country. He’s a multiple US Open winner, and that means a lot to him. Being American, I think, also means a lot to him. I’m excited to ‘let him loose’ this week.”
It feels like the United States has decided to hand over the leadership baton of the team to DeChambeau, at least in terms of connecting with the crowd. Bradley is aware that Scheffler is a quiet leader, one who doesn’t make noise, and understands that he needs Bryson to create a stir and fire up the crowd. Everyone has spoken wonders about him. Even Russell Henley shared a personal anecdote from 2021. “In Greensboro, I was leading the tournament, and I let it slip away. The next time I saw Bryson, in Baltimore, Caves Valley, he came up to me and said, ‘Hey, keep your head up, that happens to everyone, you’re playing great golf.’ And he encouraged me. I’ll always remember that. Obviously, I haven’t played much with him in recent years, but I’ve always liked Bryson, and it’s been really cool to ‘pick his brain’ this week. I think we operate very differently on the course. He plays a very different golf to mine, so sitting with him last night at dinner was great to ask him what he’s been doing in practice rounds. He’s a great teammate. He’s been very good.”
The United States has designated its spiritual leader. We’ll see if later, on the field, Scottie Scheffler takes care of restoring the natural order of things. No one would be surprised…
