Matt Fitzpatrick didn’t hold back on his thoughts about Bryson DeChambeau’s antics at the Ryder Cup, following a critique from PGA of America president Don Rea, who he labeled as “bitter”.
Throughout the tournament, DeChambeau was one of Team USA’s most enthusiastic players, often rallying the American crowd. Despite trailing significantly against Fitzpatrick on the final day, the American golfer made a remarkable comeback and managed to tie the 18th hole.
In the end, Team Europe held onto the Ryder Cup, thanks to Shane Lowry’s impressive performance against Russell Henley, sparking grand celebrations in New York. Despite a tense exchange with Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, which has now been revealed in new footage prior to his match with Fitzpatrick, the English golfer shared his views on DeChambeau’s behavior.
“He was fine,” Fitzpatrick commented, [h/t The Golfing Gazette]. “Bryson’s character, he’s got a lot of energy. You get in that environment with the home crowd, I think it was very helpful to get off to a great start. To be up so early was helpful at that point just to keep the crowd not really on his side as such.
“Was kind of much more tame. But no issues with Bryson. I knew what he was about, and that’s what excites the fans over there and that’s great. There were no issues. It was obviously a good match. I wish it ended a little bit differently but in the end it was a half-point.”
In a similar fashion, Fleetwood acknowledged he harbored no resentment toward DeChambeau following their heated confrontation. The European golfer maintained that the incident was blown completely out of proportion compared to what actually transpired.
“Again, Ryder Cup, I thought the situation got blown out of proportion from the minute it happened,” Fleetwood said. “I think it’s obvious to see on the TV, Justin wanted his space, like he was getting ready to hit, and he wanted his space. Could have said it in a nicer way, probably, like he said but an intense moment.
“I was right there when he apologized straightaway. At that point, like, it’s done. Really, people get things wrong in the moment.
“Justin said I’m sorry. Some people wanted to make it a bigger thing than what it was. You know, so then you hold your ground, and that’s just what happens, really. But yeah, it was blown out of proportion at the time, but it was over in a few minutes.”
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Given the 32-year-old’s confrontations with Fleetwood and Rose and his behavior during the competition, the Ryder Cup stirred intense emotions in every participant, including Rea.
During interviews at the Alfred Dunhill Links, Fitzpatrick suggested Rea’s feelings overwhelmed him at the trophy ceremony held at Bethpage Black.
“I don’t want to speak for everyone, but we felt a bit of bitterness during the trophy presentation and handshake,” he began. “Me and Rosie [Justin Rose] looked at each other thinking the congratulations didn’t feel very heartfelt. He said we only retained it, but actually – we won it.”
