DeChambeau is now a target just like Jordan in his prime
BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU has been compared to Michael Jordan by a Ryder Cup team-mate as Team USA circled the wagons in Wisconsin against Europe – and their history of internal conflict.
America’s past two defeats in this event have been followed by Phil Mickelson and Patrick Reed publicly breaking ranks and attacking the losing captain.
And this year’s team harmony has been under threat before a ball is hit by the running feud between DeChambeau and
Brooks Koepka.
Steve Stricker has declared peace in our time – or at least this week – between the two Major champions.And DeChambeau yesterday teased there will be “something fun coming up here” with his temporarily ex-rival.
The forced American bonhomie even resulted in Justin Thomas claiming “you’d think that all of us are best friends the entire year” when the US team met up on Sunday night.
DeChambeau remains the most colourful and controversial member of the team.The star with his irons all the same length is definitely different.
Yet his practice partner, Scottie Scheffler, insisted yesterday he is merely misunderstood – and a target of jealousy like NBA legend Jordan in the Netflix series The Last Dance.
“I think everybody has an opinion on him,” said the rookie.
“I have an opinion on him, as well. He’s a fantastic guy. I’ve known him since college. He’s
From Neil McLeman at Whistling Straits always been nothing but gracious and kind to me – and he means well.
“Sometimes people take little titbits of what he says and try and beat him down a little bit and that’s kind of what happens in sports is people get built up and then they get torn down once they reach the top. I’ve watched The Last Dance and it’s something you saw with Jordan, as well.”
DeChambeau claimed he has had some “great conversations” with Koepka before trailing a potential public show of unity ahead of Friday’s tee off. This was the first time he had spoken to the press since claiming his driver “sucks” at The Open.And asked about his controversial reputation, he said: “Look, I’m not trying to change anybody’s perception.All I’m trying to do is showcase what I can do for the game of golf.
“For me, again, I’m going to keep providing people with the best entertainment I can – some may not like it, some people love it.”
DeChambeau has been targeted by Koepka fans with taunts of “Brooks” on the PGA Tour this season.
“There are times where it’s not comfortable, but there’s also times where it fuels me,” he said. “I’ve got a brass chest.”
So after failing to win a point in Paris on his 2018 debut, will winning all his matches here with his 200mph ball speed get supporters on his side? “Yeah, that could potentially change it for sure,” he said.
“But this is about the team going and winning the Ryder Cup.”
Bryson’s a fantastic guy, nothing but gracious