“HE IS NOT WORTHY TO REPRESENT THE USA”: Harris English’s Ryder Cup Ultimatum Stuns Golf World

In a stunning turn of events just weeks before the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Team USA’s Harris English has ignited a firestorm of controversy by demanding that captain Keegan Bradley remove world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler from the 12-man roster—or face English’s immediate withdrawal from the team. The shocking ultimatum, reportedly delivered during a heated team meeting, has sent shockwaves through the golfing community, raising questions about team unity and English’s motives. Yet, Bradley’s calm response—a single, piercing sentence—left English speechless and has only deepened the intrigue surrounding Team USA’s preparations.

A Bold Demand Sparks Outrage

Harris English, a two-time Ryder Cup veteran and one of six automatic qualifiers for the 2025 U.S. team, reportedly confronted Bradley in a closed-door meeting, declaring, “He is not worthy to represent the USA,” in reference to Scheffler. Sources close to the team suggest English’s grievance stems from a belief that Scheffler’s reserved demeanor and intense focus on individual performance lack the team spirit required for the Ryder Cup’s high-stakes environment. English, known for his steady presence and clutch putting, allegedly argued that Scheffler’s inclusion could disrupt the team’s chemistry at Bethpage Black, where the raucous New York crowd demands players with fiery passion.

The demand has sparked fierce debate among fans and analysts. Scheffler, the 2025 PGA Championship and Open Championship winner, has been the cornerstone of American golf, boasting five PGA Tour victories this season and holding the top spot in the Ryder Cup points list. His Ryder Cup record, with 3.5 career points and a 50% win rate across two appearances, underscores his value to the team. English’s bold stance has left many questioning whether personal tensions or strategic disagreements are at play.

“Scottie Scheffler is the best golfer on the planet right now,” said golf analyst Mark Thompson. “To suggest he doesn’t belong on this team is not just shocking—it’s borderline absurd. English better have a good reason for this, or he risks alienating himself from the entire golf community.”

Bradley’s Masterful Response

As English issued his ultimatum, all eyes turned to Keegan Bradley, the 39-year-old captain who has already navigated a tumultuous buildup to the Ryder Cup, including his own decision to forgo a playing role. According to witnesses, Bradley listened calmly to English’s demands before delivering a single, composed sentence that silenced the room: “Scottie’s here because he’s earned it, and this team will win with him.” The succinct reply, delivered with a knowing smile, reportedly left English without a comeback, defusing the tension while reaffirming Bradley’s unwavering support for Scheffler.

Bradley’s response has been hailed as a masterclass in leadership. “Keegan didn’t just shut it down—he reminded everyone who’s in charge,” said former Ryder Cup player Laura Evans. “To call out Scheffler’s credentials so directly while keeping his cool shows why he’s the right captain for this team.”

Team USA’s Fragile Unity

The incident has raised concerns about the cohesion of a U.S. team already under pressure to reclaim the Ryder Cup after a crushing defeat in Rome in 2023. Alongside Scheffler, automatic qualifiers J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and English himself form a formidable core, joined by Bradley’s captain’s picks: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns. Yet, English’s outburst suggests underlying tensions that could jeopardize the team’s performance against a strong European squad led by Rory McIlroy and captain Luke Donald.

Some speculate that English’s comments reflect frustration over his own role on the team. Despite a strong season, including a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open and a top-20 ranking in putting, English has struggled with consistency in his iron play, which may have fueled insecurities about his contributions compared to Scheffler’s dominance. Others believe the issue is personal, pointing to rumors of a frosty relationship between the two Georgia natives, both of whom attended the University of Georgia.

The Road to Bethpage Black

With the Ryder Cup set to tee off on September 26, 2025, Bradley faces the challenge of unifying a team rocked by this public dispute. Scheffler, for his part, has remained silent on the matter, focusing on his preparation for Bethpage Black, a course that suits his precise ball-striking and mental toughness. English, meanwhile, has yet to clarify whether he will follow through on his threat to leave the team, leaving fans and teammates in limbo.

“Team USA needs to sort this out fast,” said Thompson. “Bethpage is a pressure cooker, and Europe’s coming in with a stacked roster. Any crack in the U.S. lineup could be fatal.”

As the golf world awaits English’s next move, Bradley’s leadership and Scheffler’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. Will this drama galvanize Team USA or fracture it beyond repair? One thing is certain: the 2025 Ryder Cup just got a lot more interesting.