Xander Schauffele has officially debunked persistent rumors surrounding the Ryder Cup 2023 controversy, including claims of fractured team dynamics and demands for payment.
Speaking candidly on the Drop Zone podcast, Schauffele dismissed the speculation as media exaggeration and offered insight into his Ryder Cup experience, including the camaraderie in the locker room.
When asked about the locker room dynamics, Schauffele described it as a positive environment, stating, “It’s fun to share a room. Caddies and players in the same locker room-it brings you way back and makes you feel like a kid again.”
However, the conversation took a humorous turn when host Dylan Dethier referenced the rumors of Schauffele and teammate Patrick Cantlay allegedly using a separate locker area during the event.
Schauffele debunking rumors
Laughing off the suggestion, Schauffele replied, “Man, the media is a funny one,” reaffirming that all players shared the same space and there was no truth to the reports.
The controversy began during the Ryder Cup when Sky Sports reported a supposed rift in the U.S. team, citing sources that claimed Schauffele and Cantlay were at odds with the rest of the squad.
Allegations included their refusal to attend a gala dinner, demands for player salaries, and Cantlay’s decision to forgo wearing a team hat as a protest. Fans even mimicked Cantlay’s alleged move, waving caps at him during matches.
Cantalay also denied the gossip
Patrick Cantlay previously addressed the controversy, calling the claims “outright lies” in an interview with NBC Sports. “The U.S. team has been close all week,” he emphasized, debunking the narrative of a divided locker room.
Despite the uproar, Schauffele and Cantlay have both maintained that the team’s unity was never in question. Schauffele added on the podcast, “Everyone in our locker room knows exactly what’s going on in our locker room.”
While the Ryder Cup always delivers intense competition, the 2023 edition left fans with lingering questions about the alleged drama. However, Schauffele’s comments serve as a reminder not to believe everything you hear-especially during one of golf’s most high-stakes events.
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