PGA star Xander Schauffele’s dad just dropped one bombshell that left golf fans shell-shocked
The Ryder Cup is supposed to be golf’s greatest team competition.
But one prominent father has had enough of the circus surrounding the event.
And Xander Schauffele’s dad just dropped one bombshell that left golf fans shell-shocked.
Stefan Schauffele refuses to watch his son compete at Bethpage Black
Golf fans around the world are gearing up for what promises to be one of the most electric Ryder Cups in recent memory.
The 2025 competition will take place at Bethpage Black outside New York City from September 26-28, marking only the second time a team competition has been held in the tri-state area.
Two-time major champion Xander Schauffele is virtually guaranteed a spot on Team USA, currently sitting second in the FedEx Cup standings with an automatic bid locked up.
But there’s one person who won’t be cheering him on from the gallery.
Stefan Schauffele, Xander’s father and former coach, announced he’s boycotting the entire event in a bombshell interview with The Times of London.
"Do I miss the PGA Tour? No. I’m not going to the Ryder Cup either," Stefan declared. "I’m afraid of what’s going to happen in New York."
His reasoning stems from disturbing incidents he witnessed at previous Ryder Cups that have left him disgusted with the direction of the competition.
"I was there [at Whistling Straits] when they called Shane Lowry’s wife a whore in front of him," Stefan revealed. "I couldn’t believe my ears."
The incident that pushed Stefan over the edge
Stefan’s boycott isn’t just about rowdy fans.
He’s equally disgusted by the behavior of players and officials at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, particularly the explosive confrontation between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava.
The drama unfolded when Cantlay made a crucial putt against McIlroy and his teammate, with LaCava celebrating what many considered too exuberantly.
McIlroy felt the celebration was excessive and inappropriate, leading to a heated exchange that spilled into the parking lot after the round.
"That was utterly disgusting claiming this money bulls***, and Rory behaved disgustingly in my opinion," Stefan said about McIlroy’s reaction. "It’s only going to get worse. It’s ruined my appetite for the Ryder Cup. It becomes unwatchable."
The incident required McIlroy to be physically restrained from LaCava in what became one of the most heated moments in recent Ryder Cup history.
Stefan also referenced the controversy surrounding Cantlay’s decision not to wear a team hat during the Rome competition, which many interpreted as a protest over players not being paid to participate.
Father reveals son’s massive LIV Golf offer
Stefan’s candid interview revealed other shocking details about his son’s career, including a jaw-dropping offer from LIV Golf.
He disclosed that Xander was offered between $150 million and $200 million to join the Saudi-backed circuit in 2022.
The massive payday would have made Xander one of the highest-paid golfers in the world overnight.
But Stefan and his son turned down the enormous sum because of concerns about world ranking points and major championship access.
"They could’ve doubled the money and we still wouldn’t do it," Stefan stated firmly.
The decision proved wise.
Xander went on to win two major championships in 2024 – the PGA Championship and The Open Championship – cementing his status as one of golf’s elite players.
The money controversy that won’t go away
The issue of player compensation continues to be a major source of tension leading up to the 2025 Ryder Cup.
In December 2024, it was announced that each U.S. team member would receive $500,000 for participating in the competition.
Of that amount, $200,000 is considered a stipend for the players, while the remaining $300,000 must be donated to charity.
Xander has stated that he plans to donate his entire $500,000 to charity, not just the required portion.
"I just see it as a whole lot of money going to charity and we’re going to take a lot of crap," Xander told Golf Channel.
European players have expressed outrage over the payment arrangement, with several high-profile golfers including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry speaking out against the decision.
Stefan’s history of controversial statements
This isn’t Stefan’s first time making headlines with outspoken comments about golf’s establishment.
He previously revealed that Xander nearly missed the 2023 Ryder Cup due to a contract dispute with the PGA of America over legal amendments.
"The PGA of America were not willing to even talk to us about [the three amendments]," Stefan said about the negotiations.
He claimed officials threatened to remove Xander from the team if he didn’t sign the contract by their deadline, despite not providing access to legal counsel.
"They said, ‘If you don’t sign it by then, you’re off the team,’" Stefan recalled.
The dispute was eventually resolved on Labor Day weekend, but Stefan called the entire process "shameful."
Stefan also serves as a vocal critic of what he sees as excessive demands placed on players during Ryder Cup week.
His son has publicly lobbied captain Keegan Bradley to help limit off-course obligations so players can focus on competition.
New York crowd expected to be particularly hostile
Stefan’s concerns about the New York crowd aren’t unfounded.
Bethpage Black is known for having some of the rowdiest and most vocal fans in golf, particularly during major championships.
The course hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens, where fans were notorious for their aggressive heckling of players.
European players have already expressed concerns about the hostile environment they expect to face on Long Island.
The tri-state area’s passionate sports fans are expected to create an intimidating atmosphere for the visiting European team.
Stefan’s decision to stay home reflects his belief that the situation will only get worse with a New York crowd.
"I’m afraid of what’s going to happen in New York," he reiterated.
The combination of rowdy fans, heated rivalries, and money controversies has created a perfect storm that Stefan wants no part of.
His boycott represents a father’s principled stand against what he sees as the deteriorating culture surrounding professional golf’s premier team event.
Whether his absence will be noticed remains to be seen, but his words have certainly sent shockwaves through the golf world.
¹ Ryan Morik, "PGA star’s dad skipping ‘unwatchable’ Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black: ‘Afraid of what’s going to happen,’" Fox News, July 15, 2025.
² Tom Kershaw, "Xander Schauffele’s Father Reveals Son’s LIV Offer, Lambasts Rory McIlroy, Ryder Cup," The Times of London, July 13, 2025.
³ Ibid.
⁴ Ibid.
⁵ Adam Cairns, "Xander Schauffele’s Dad Boycotting Ryder Cup, Says He’s ‘Afraid’ Of How New York Fans Will Behave," Outkick, July 14, 2025.
⁶ Total Pro Sports, "’Utterly Disgusting’: Top PGA Golfer’s Father Drops Bombshell Reason for Boycotting 2025 Ryder Cup," July 14, 2025.
⁷ Golf Digest, "’I’m afraid of what’s going to happen in New York’: Why Stefan Schauffele won’t be attending this year’s Ryder Cup," July 14, 2025.
⁸ Sports Illustrated, "Xander Schauffele’s Father Reveals Son’s LIV Offer, Lambasts Rory McIlroy, Ryder Cup," July 13, 2025.
⁹ Ben Parsons, "Xander Schauffele breaks silence on hot topic: ‘It’s good for this big rivalry,’" Golf Magic, January 1, 2025.
