The sting of the US team’s loss at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome still lingers, and for captain Zach Johnson, the fallout continues. His controversial decisions ahead of the tournament—including the inclusion of Justin Thomas and Sam Burns—remain hot topics among golf fans, with some placing the blame for the defeat squarely on his shoulders.
Farmers Insurance Open: Confrontation on the course
While competing at the Farmers Insurance Open, Johnson was confronted by a disgruntled spectator who didn’t hold back.
“We lost the Ryder Cup because of you,” the fan yelled, referencing Johnson’s choices for the US team roster. The remark escalated when the fan specifically criticized Johnson’s picks, calling out Thomas and Burns by name.
Johnson’s caddie, visibly irritated, fired back: “Go talk to them, just shut up and don’t be an idiot.”
The exchange highlighted the frustration and passion surrounding the Americans’ Ryder Cup loss. Many fans felt that Johnson’s decision to omit Bryson DeChambeau, who had been in excellent form, was a critical error.
The controversy behind Johnson’s decisions
Johnson’s decision-making faced heavy scrutiny long before the matches began in Rome. By including Thomas, who had struggled throughout the season, and Burns, whose Ryder Cup resume was unproven, Johnson opened himself up to criticism. Meanwhile, leaving DeChambeau—who had showcased exceptional performance on LIV Golf—in the cold, only amplified the backlash.
Despite the criticism, Johnson defended his choices, prioritizing team chemistry and trust over statistics. “These decisions are never easy,” Johnson said before the tournament. “You go with the guys you believe in.”
Rome 2023: A Ryder Cup to forget for Team USA
The Americans entered the Ryder Cup with high hopes but faltered on European soil, succumbing to a strong performance by Team Europe. The defeat reignited questions about the US team’s ability to win away from home, something they haven’t achieved since 1993.
Key moments, including surprising losses by star players and underwhelming performances from Johnson’s controversial picks, compounded the disappointment. Europe’s dominance, fueled by standout performances from Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and rising star Ludvig Åberg, left the Americans with little to celebrate.
Bethpage Black 2025: A chance for redemption
As the US looks ahead to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, hopes are high for a turnaround. The Americans are expected to benefit from:
- Home-course advantage: The raucous New York crowd could provide a significant boost, much like Europe’s advantage in Rome.
- Stronger roster options: Emerging stars and a potential shift in leadership strategy could give the Americans the edge they need.
With the Ryder Cup returning to US soil, the stakes are enormous. For players like Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, and potentially even DeChambeau, Bethpage Black represents an opportunity to reclaim the Cup and silence critics.
The road ahead
For Zach Johnson, the controversy surrounding 2023 will likely follow him, but the focus now shifts to how the US team rebuilds for 2025. Whether or not he has a role in the next campaign, Johnson’s tenure as captain will remain a contentious chapter in Ryder Cup history.
The countdown to Bethpage Black begins, where the Americans will face a determined European team looking to maintain their dominance. The only certainty? Both sides are set to deliver another unforgettable Ryder Cup.
