The opening day of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black did not just deliver drama on the course—it also unleashed a storm of words off it. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley launched a stunning public criticism of Scottie Scheffler, the current World No. 1, after the star golfer lost both of his matches on Friday. Bradley went as far as to call Scheffler a “fake number one golfer”, igniting one of the most heated debates in recent Ryder Cup history.

A disastrous start for Scheffler

Scheffler, who came into the Ryder Cup as the most dominant golfer of the season with multiple major victories, failed to live up to expectations. In the morning foursomes, he and Russell Henley suffered a crushing 5&3 defeat to the European duo Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick. Later, in the afternoon four-ball session, Scheffler and J.J. Spaun were beaten 3&2 by Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka.

The two losses left Scheffler with a 0–2 record on the day and contributed heavily to Team Europe’s early 5.5–2.5 lead over the United States.

Bradley’s explosive remarks

After the matches, Keegan Bradley, usually measured in his tone, did not hold back when speaking to reporters. “We cannot depend on someone who disappears when the team needs him most. Scottie may be ranked number one, but today he looked like the worst number one in golf history. If you want to be the best, you have to prove it here, not just on the PGA Tour,” Bradley said bluntly.

He later doubled down when asked if his comments were too harsh: “This is the Ryder Cup. It’s not about protecting reputations—it’s about fighting for your team. Right now, he’s playing like a fake number one.”

Scheffler fires back

It didn’t take long for Scheffler to respond. Speaking to the media minutes later, he appeared visibly frustrated. “I don’t think it’s fair to question my ranking or my commitment. I had a tough day, yes, but I’ve earned my spot at the top of the game with my results all season. To be called a fake number one by my own captain is disrespectful. If he wants to motivate me, there are better ways than throwing me under the bus.”

His words immediately divided the golf community. Some analysts argued that Bradley’s tough stance was a form of leadership aimed at waking up his star player. Others, however, criticized the captain for undermining team morale and creating unnecessary conflict in the middle of a high-pressure event.

A team divided?

As the second day looms, the U.S. team faces not only a scoreboard deficit but also potential cracks within its locker room. While European players celebrated their strong start, whispers about a rift in the American camp grew louder. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if Scheffler bounces back—or if Bradley’s comments have done more harm than good.

What began as a disappointing opening day for the United States has now escalated into a public war of words between captain and star player. One thing is certain: the Ryder Cup has found its controversy, and the world of golf is paying attention.