The Ryder Cup Approaches With Uncertainty

The anticipation for the Ryder Cup is building, and this year could really make a mark in history.

Set to take place at Beth Page Black near New York City, this will be the second time the competition has been hosted in the Tri-State area, following the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National in Jersey City.

Since 2016, both the U.S. and Europe have claimed victory in the Cup, with home teams winning every year during that stretch.

Xander Schauffele has been a consistent member of Team USA in both the Ryder and Presidents Cups since 2019. Currently ranked second among Americans in the FedEx Cup standings, he’s guaranteed a spot this year, as the top six players earn autobids.

Interestingly, Schauffele’s father, Stephen, has expressed a desire to sit this one out. He mentioned to a publication that he doesn’t want to go to the Ryder Cup in September.

“I have concerns about what might unfold in New York. I was there at Whistling Straits when a rude comment was made about Shane Lowry’s wife. I couldn’t believe it,” Stephen shared.

He also reflected on incidents from two years ago involving Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay’s caddy. McIlroy seemed quite upset with how Cantlay’s caddy celebrated a crucial long putt. This year, U.S. players will receive a $200,000 payout, along with another $300,000 to donate to charities, though it appears this hasn’t sat well with Stephen.

“I found the money claims distasteful; Rory’s behavior was, in my opinion, appalling. It’s just taken the shine off the Ryder Cup for me,” he added.

McIlroy reportedly had a tense encounter with Lacava in a parking lot after a round.

While the competitive atmosphere between the teams is intense, it seems Schauffele isn’t quite feeling the excitement.