There are moments in sports that don’t just test individual resolve but lay bare how tightly woven team dynamics really are. As the U.S. Ryder Cup team assembles in the build-up to Bethpage Black, one such moment has arisen: golf analyst Brandel Chamblee has launched what many consider a scathing critique of Bryson DeChambeau, and instead of silence, critics and teammates have responded loudly.
In the middle of that storm, reporter Amanda Balionis jumped into the fray to defend Bryson, joining voices like Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Scottie Scheffler. On her Instagram story, Balionis shared a video of Schauffele complimenting Bryson DeChambeau.
With it, Balionis wrote: “I’m loving how team USA is rallying around Bryson and fighting the external narrative. Chemistry and unity are high this year and its cool to see.”
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In that video, Schauffele had said, “Bryson could be the difference for us, in a strange way. From the standpoint of feeding into these fans, the style of golf he plays…This is Bryson’s Arena…if he views himself as a gladiator golfer. This is as good as it gets.”
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The narrative has shifted: what started as criticism has crystallized into a display of team loyalty and unity. On Golf Channel, Chamblee called Bryson DeChambeau a “circus-barker” and a “captain’s nightmare” in the Ryder Cup context. His criticism hinges on several claims: that Bryson frequently discusses his YouTube metrics instead of emphasizing the team, that his online content (which Bryson has promoted) may have inflated numbers (Chamblee suggested bots might be involved), and that these actions might indicate he prioritizes self-promotion over team chemistry.
Chamblee also seized on earlier comments by Rory McIlroy, who said that Bryson sometimes only gains attention by “mentioning other people.” Chamblee and others have used these as springboards to question how well Bryson fits in the team setting, especially from the standpoint of pairs/foursomes matchups. In response, several of Bryson’s compatriots have publicly defended him.
In a press conference, when asked about Bryson’s role in the team, Patrick Cantlay said, “We’ve played on a few team events together, Presidents Cups and Whistling Straits Ryder Cup. He’s great in team events. I was watching him hit drivers on the range the other day, and I’m glad he’s on our side. He’s a showman out there. I think he’s going to get the crowd fired up. It’s really great anytime he’s on these teams because he’s such a fantastic player.”
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This positions Bryson not as a distraction but as someone who amplifies the energy of the group.
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Echoing similar sentiments, Scheffler said, “I think Bryson is a tremendous competitor. He’s a great partner as well. I partnered with him in 2021 at Whistling Straits and he was a tremendous guy to be out on the golf course with. He’s a great guy and a good friend, and he’s been great in our team room. He brings a lot of energy, the people love him, and I think he loves the opportunity to be able to represent his country. He’s a multiple-time U.S. Open winner, and that means a lot to him. Being an American I think means a lot to him as well. I’m excited to kind of unleash him this week.”
Team USA seems not only to expect Bryson’s golf ability, but they also expect his personality and energy to matter on their side. In an event like the Ryder Cup, that kind of unity, chemistry, and shared purpose can be the difference between winning and going home. Bryson’s performance, yes, but also how he is woven into the fabric of the team now, under scrutiny, that may matter as much.
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That groundswell of support sets the stage for a deeper look at why DeChambeau’s presence matters so much to Team USA, and why Brandel Chamblee’s critique hit such a nerve. To understand the stakes behind this public defense, it helps to step back and examine the context, the numbers, and the questions his inclusion raises.
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The story of Bryson DeChambeau’s criticism and success
Bryson DeChambeau’s place on Team USA wasn’t always guaranteed. Because LIV Golf events don’t count toward Ryder Cup qualification points, there was early concern about whether he would earn an automatic spot or need a captain’s pick. Yet Captain Keegan Bradley publicly assured that Bryson would be an important piece of the squad, praising his energy and passion while noting that he remains one of the game’s elite players. In team formats like foursomes and four-balls, chemistry and momentum can swing matches, and a player who thrives under the spotlight can become a pivotal asset.
The numbers back that up. DeChambeau captured the 2024 U.S. Open and followed with a LIV Golf win in Korea in 2025. He averaged 322–323 yards off the tee on LIV this season and even eclipsed 332 yards at the 2024 PGA Championship, out-driving the field by double-digit yards. His driving accuracy and greens-in-regulation numbers have quietly improved to around 65% and 70%, showing a more complete game. Ryder Cup history also favors him: at Whistling Straits 2021, he went 2-0-1, partnering with Scottie Scheffler for a win over Tommy Fleetwood/Viktor Hovland and halving a match against Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton. That 2.5-point haul was one of the best pair records on the U.S. side.
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