The ongoing conflict between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continues to impact the United States team as it prepares for the upcoming Ryder Cup. The biennial event is set to take place at Bethpage Black, starting on September 26, 2023. As Team USA gears up for the international competition, 10 of the 12 members are participating in the Procore Championship in Napa, California, aiming to foster team chemistry. Notably absent from this key preparation is Bryson DeChambeau, who is barred from the PGA Tour event due to his affiliation with LIV Golf.
Joining DeChambeau on the sidelines is Xander Schauffele, whose absence is attributed to the recent birth of his first child. While Schauffele’s situation is understandable, DeChambeau’s exclusion underscores the PGA Tour’s firm stance against LIV Golf players, regardless of the context. “That’s up to the Tour and their decision to make,” DeChambeau stated before the tournament. “It’s on them if they don’t let us come together as a team and play. It’s a scenario that’s unfortunate, and I wish it was different.”
Despite competing for LIV Golf, DeChambeau secured enough points to be one of the six automatic qualifiers for the Ryder Cup team, alongside other notable players such as Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, and Russell Henley. Keegan Bradley, the American captain, opted for selections including Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay instead of choosing himself, which would have made him the first playing captain since Arnold Palmer in the 1960s.
While DeChambeau’s absence from the Procore Championship is significant, he is not allowing it to hinder his connection with his teammates. He is present in Napa Valley, offering support from the sidelines and participating in team dinners. This gesture has been well received by his colleagues. “I think this whole individual aspect, we’ve all thrown that out the window and we will all do what it takes to be with the team,” said Collin Morikawa. “So to have him there, being around the team, hanging out, they’re all positives.”
The Ryder Cup is organized by the PGA of America, which also oversees the PGA Championship. Tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have persisted since the latter’s inception in 2022, when it began attracting top talents from the PGA Tour, including Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka. Discussions regarding a potential merger between the rival leagues have not led to any concrete agreements.
DeChambeau has maintained a strong following despite the ongoing feud. His popular YouTube channel has attracted a younger audience, while traditional golf fans appreciate the scientific approach he brings to the sport. He has also not shied away from engaging with fans, warning the European team about the intensity of the crowd at Bethpage Black. “Whatever expectation they should have about crowd noise, they should double it. I don’t think they’re ready for it,” he remarked during a promotional clip.
In preparation for the anticipated crowd reactions, Team Europe is utilizing virtual reality headsets designed to simulate the kind of noise and heckling they will encounter on Long Island. “We’re doing everything we can to best prepare ourselves for what that’s going to be like on Friday week,” said Rory McIlroy at a recent DP World Tour event. “But nothing can really prepare you until you’re actually in that.”
As the Ryder Cup approaches, the exclusion of players like DeChambeau from PGA Tour events raises questions about team dynamics and the future of golf as the sport navigates the complexities of loyalty, competition, and the ongoing rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
