Stefan Schauffele slams Ryder Cup fans and “disgusting” Rory McIlroy – and reveals Xander’s LIV offer
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On the eve of his son’s Open Championship defence, Stefan Schauffele says the behavior of players and fans has put him off the Ryder Cup, ahead of what could be the most hostile edition in the tournament’s history in New York in September.
It is strange timing, but Stefan Schauffele has never been one to mince his words. The former German decathlete was speaking to The Times in a wide-ranging interview and the biennial contest was clearly at the forefront of his mind.
In 2021 at Whistling Straits, the American crowd was typically loud and partisan, but Schauffele Sr heard some things he felt crossed the line.
“I’m not going to the Ryder Cup,” he said. “I’m afraid of what’s going to happen in New York. I was there [at Whistling Straits] when they called Shane Lowry’s wife a w**** in front of him. I couldn’t believe my ears.”
Conventional thinking is that fan behaviour is more respectful in Europe than America, but there was no shortage of drama at the 2023 match in Rome.
Headlines were made when a report emerged that the American camp was split by an apparent dispute over appearance money. At the center of that controversy was Patrick Cantlay – who could forget ‘hat-gate’? – which eventually lit the fuse on the car park dust-up between Rory McIlroy and Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava.

Shane Lowry had to restrain his fellow Northern Irishman and bundle him into a car to be taken away, while Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay was the peacekeeper on the American side in scenes that were scarcely believable at the time.
If the trend continues, God only knows what could happen this year. Schauffele’s fears are shared by many, with New York crowds renowned for their fervent support of their team. Things could get ugly, especially if Team Europe looks like scoring a big upset and claiming a rare away triumph.
“I saw what happened in Rome,” Stefan continued. “That was utterly disgusting, claiming this money bulls***. And Rory behaved disgustingly in my opinion. It’s only going to get worse. It’s ruined my appetite for the Ryder Cup. It becomes unwatchable.”
Stefan also turned his mind to LIV Golf. Ahead of Xander’s Open defence at Royal Portrush, Stefan discussed the $200 million offer his son received to join the Saudi-backed breakaway league.
“They could’ve doubled the money and we still wouldn’t do it,” he said.
- Xander Schauffele: “I drank tequila from the Claret Jug!”2