on DeChambeau and 5 other PGAT top players have been suspended from participating in further competitions for breaching certain rules
The new Team USA captain – who clinched the PGA Championship in 2011 – was named skipper after Tiger Woods is understood to have turned down the role. Golf great Woods has cited his other PGA commitments accounting for much of his time, which led to Bradley getting an unexpected nod for the position.
DeChambeau, 30, was part of the Ryder Cup team that clinched the team title in 2021 before being omitted for last year’s losing squad in Rome. However, it seems evident the California native would likely seize the chance to rejoin the squad.
The two-time US Open champion was open about his desire to be involved in the 2023 roster, at which point the tensions between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour were still bubbling. Despite being one of the most outspoken supporters of the Saudi-funded LIV series, DeChambeau was willing to put rivalries aside to represent his country, reported the Daily Express.
“Look, I’ve played in a couple Ryder Cups and I would love to represent my country, there’s no doubt about that,” he said in August 2023. “I feel like I’m in a good place to be able to do that. I feel like I’m a top-10 player for sure right now, with the game that I’m playing.
“If I do get picked, fantastic. If I don’t, I’ll still be watching on TV, rooting for Team USA because I respect and appreciate those players and all the team records in our country more than a PGA Tour or LIV thing.”
LIV star Brooks Koepka managed to make then-captain Zach Johnson’s list, proving players associated with LIV are not completely excluded from Ryder Cup considerations. However, LIV players are relying on the captain to pick them given they can’t earn qualification points nearly as easily as those playing under the PGA banner.
Despite his enthusiasm, DeChambeau didn’t make the cut, and Team USA went on to suffer a decisive defeat on European soil. He remained respectful of Johnson’s decision but suggested he felt somewhat disrespected by the lack of communication received by those LIV flag-bearers left off the list.
