US hails 'gladiator' DeChambeau as Ryder Cup controversy swirls

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

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It began when the 32-year-old Golf star, whose interview session at Bethpage Black was postponed to Thursday after the opening ceremony was advanced to Wednesday, 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.”