SHOWMAN'S 'ENERGY' TO LIFT U.S.

LIV golfer DeChambeau divides opinion but Major winner seen as a huge asset by hosts

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Team USA fan favourite and 'gladiator' Bryson DeChambeau signing autographs on Sept 23 at Bethpage Black at Farmingdale, New York ahead of the Ryder Cup. The LIV golfer has been praised for making a big effort to be part of the team.

(PHOTO: AFP)

Two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau was hailed by United States teammates as an explosive X-factor, gladiator and showman on Sept 23, as controversy erupted around him at the Ryder Cup.

It began when the 32-year-old LIV Golf star, whose interview session at Bethpage Black was postponed to Sept 25 after the opening ceremony was advanced to Sept 24, fired the latest verbal salvo in a war of words with Europe star Rory Mcllroy.

"Just his golfing ability alone is an X-factor for our team, but also, he's a really fiery player," US captain Keegan Bradley said of DeChambeau.

"We have a lot of calm, mellow guys, so we need the energy from Bryson and he brings that every day in practice rounds, the team room and hopefully in the tournament."

At the Masters, where Mcllroy won his first Green Jacket to complete a career Grand Slam, DeChambeau promised to "chirp" in McIlroy's ear at the Ryder Cup.