Leave it to Bryson DeChambeau to light the fuse. The 2024 U.S. Open champ — and now officially a 2025 Ryder Cup Team USA member — just fired the first real warning shot at Team Europe ahead of the showdown at Bethpage Black this September.
DeChambeau didn’t mince words in a recent promo video, sending a bold message to the European squad: “Whatever expectation they should have, they should double it. I don’t think they’re ready for it.” That’s not just confidence — that’s theatrical bravado delivered straight to the locker room across the Atlantic.
And just like that, the psychological warfare has begun.
Bryson’s Back, and He’s Bringing Firepower
This will be Bryson’s third Ryder Cup, but it feels like the first one where he’s arriving as the full package. Remember, he was left out in 2023 thanks to a tough season and the whole LIV Golf cloud that hung over player selection. But in 2025, he earned his spot automatically from just eight starts. That’s the kind of resume that makes captains stop and say, “Okay, that guy’s coming to Bethpage.”
Captain Keegan Bradley was full of praise, telling reporters that DeChambeau has not only been a top performer but also a model teammate, going “above and beyond” to integrate with the squad. That’s a big shift from the solo-operator vibe Bryson once carried. This time, he’s part of the tribe — and the tribe is amped.
Foursomes Friction? Finding the Right Fit
Now the big question: who’s going to pair up with Bryson? That’s where things get a little dicey. Historically, foursomes haven’t been his strong suit. Back in 2018, he went winless in the format alongside legends Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. That’s like striking out with Jordan and Kobe in your backcourt. And in 2021, Captain Steve Stricker benched him for alternate shot play entirely. So, yeah — chemistry will be key, and Bradley has a puzzle to solve.
Meanwhile, across the pond, Captain Luke Donald isn’t taking the DeChambeau jab lightly. When asked about the comment, he didn’t blink: “If they are not ready, it’s my fault. I’ve spent 20 months trying to get them ready.” Donald knows full well what Bethpage brings — rabid fans, high tension, and no room for mental errors.
Team Europe’s Jon Rahm and Shane Lowry have already acknowledged the elephant in the room — the New York noise. Rahm says the squad’s prepped. Lowry’s not too worried. But the fact that they’re even talking about it? That means it’s real.
Bethpage isn’t just another Ryder Cup venue. It’s a coliseum, and DeChambeau has positioned himself as the frontman for the chaos. He’s not just swinging big — he’s talking big, walking big, and looking to dominate the narrative before the first tee shot is even struck.
So here we go. The Ryder Cup is still weeks away, but thanks to Bryson, the mental games have already teed off.
