Matt Fitzpatrick has opened up on his Ryder Cup showdown with Bryson DeChambeau, as the Englishman also slammed PGA of America president Don Rea for his behavior at the end of the tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick made it know what he thought of Bryson DeChambeau during the Ryder Cup(Image: Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Matt Fitzpatrick revealed his thoughts on Bryson DeChambeau’s conduct at the Ryder Cup, following the latter’s criticism of “bitter” PGA of America president Don Rea for his actions at the conclusion of the prestigious event.
During the Ryder Cup, DeChambeau emerged as one of Team USA’s most animated players, frequently attempting to energize the American spectators. Despite trailing significantly on the final day against Fitzpatrick, the American sensation mounted a comeback and secured a halve on the 18th hole.
Ultimately, Team Europe claimed the Ryder Cup, with Shane Lowry’s heroics against Russell Henley sparking jubilant European celebrations in New York. While DeChambeau had a heated confrontation with Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood the day before his clash with Fitzpatrick, as revealed in recently surfaced footage, the English golfer shared his perspective on the American’s theatrics.
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“He was fine,” Fitzpatrick stated, [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.”
Similarly, Fleetwood acknowledged he harbored no grudges against DeChambeau following their heated confrontation. The European golfer maintained that the incident was blown far 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.
Bryson DeChambeau’s passion at the Ryder Cup was not an issue for Matt Fitzpatrick(Image: Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
“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.”
Given the 32 year old’s clashes with Fleetwood and Rose plus his behavior during the competition, it’s evident the Ryder Cup stirred intense emotions in all participants, Rea included.
During interviews at the Alfred Dunhill Links, Fitzpatrick suggested Rea’s feelings overwhelmed him at the trophy ceremony 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.”
