Europe takes commanding Ryder Cup lead as on-course chaos erupts between stars and caddies
Tensions flare at Bethpage Black as Rose-DeChambeau clash with caddies, and Europe extends its Ryder Cup lead to 11 1/2–4 1/2.
Europe widened their Ryder Cup lead to 11 1/2 to 4 1/2 over the United States after a chaotic Saturday afternoon of four-ball matches at Bethpage Black. The Europeans rode momentum as the U.S. team, playing on its home course, tried to slow the surge. Spectators in New York pressed the intensity, with Rory McIlroy subjected to sustained heckling from the crowd that forced security presence along the ropes for much of the day. The drama intensified in a pivotal moment on the 16th green when Justin Rose and Bryson DeChambeau found themselves in a heated exchange with elements surrounding the match, underscoring the razor-edged mood in the afternoon session.
On the 16th hole, Rose was about to line up his putt when DeChambeau’s caddie Greg Bodine walked in front of him, prompting Rose to wave him away in frustration. The Rose–Fleetwood vs. Scheffler–DeChambeau pairing lingered on the edge as Fleetwood engaged DeChambeau’s side with comments that escalated the tension. European vice captain Francesco Molinari then confronted Scheffler’s caddie Ted Scott after a hand touched Scott’s shoulder and a shout was exchanged in Italian as they walked toward the 16th. Fleetwood’s caddie Ian Finnis tried to mediate, telling everyone to calm down. Rose went on to win the 16th with a birdie, sealing the match for Europe and extending their lead to 11 1/2–4 1/2.
After the match, the players and caddies spoke in calmer tones, with Rose and Fleetwood fielding questions from Golf Channel, as is customary after a win. DeChambeau declined to speak to the media and, when asked, directed the outlet to "get the f--k away" from the U.S. team. Scheffler then stepped in and said, "No one from our team is doing any interviews." Rose offered a longer explanation, saying he was focused on his read and that there was "no intent" to disrespect Scott or anyone else, adding that it was a big moment in a highly competitive match. "I was ready to hit my putt (and) I didn’t feel like that space was being honored," he said. "I maybe made my feelings known [and] asked him to move. Maybe I didn’t say it as politely as I could have said it in the moment, but by no means was there any disrespect or anything like that." The episode left Europe carrying a commanding lead into Sunday’s sessions, while the U.S. faces a steep hill to climb to avoid another rough night at Bethpage.
