Ryder Cup trash talk starts early as Xander Schauffele mocks Rory McIlroy

Xander Schauffele has got the trash talk going early ahead of this year’s Ryder Cup after claiming it took ‘nothing special’ to thrash Team Europe two years ago. Team USA’s 19-9 victory was the largest winning margin in the Ryder Cup since 1967 with Steve Stricker fielding a young group.

Schauffele was one of several players making their Ryder Cup debuts for Team USA and he ended up helping his country pick up three points. His only blip came in Sunday’s singles as he lost to Rory McIlroy, although Team USA’s victory was already a formality at that point having held a commanding 11-5 lead overnight.

Despite McIlroy winning his singles match against Schauffele, the Northern Irishman was reduced to tears as he felt he had let the team down on the first two days of the competition. Team Europe will be gunning for revenge this year with Luke Donald’s group looking continue their strong record on home soil.

The United States haven’t won the Ryder Cup in Europe since 1993 after they mounted an impressive comeback on the Sunday’s singles. But confidence is clearly at an all-time high in the US camp as players prepare for the 44th Ryder Cup in Italy.

When asked what it was going to take to end USA’s wretched record in Europe, Schauffele confidently told Sports Illustrated: “Nothing special. It may sound weird, but we didn’t do anything special at Whistling Straits.

“All the boys who were there are aware of that, and we have quite a few repeat guys on the team. We’ll stick behind our stats, our team leaders and our captains and go do our thing.

Don’t miss…
Dustin Johnson aims sly dig at Team USA with Ryder Cup selection claim[LATEST]
Rory McIlroy makes Ryder Cup promise as bitter LIV Golf split takes toll[LATEST]
Tiger Woods comeback update after Masters injury and retirement message[LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

“We’re not really tainted by that sort of talk. People told me we haven’t won since before I was born. I think that’s great, because I don’t really care. I don’t think anyone really cares.”

All 12 of Team Europe’s players are in action in this week’s BMW Championship as part of their preparations for the Ryder Cup. And they’ve all been paired together for the opening two rounds of the tournament.

Matt Fitzpatrick got off to a strong start on Thursday with an opening-round score of six-under par. Ryder Cup rookie Ludvig Aberg also impressed as he outscored Ryder Cup team-mates McIlroy and Viktor Hovland.

Source: Read Full Article