Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, has publicly apologised to Team Europe vice-captain Francesco Molinari after a heated exchange at Bethpage Black threatened to overshadow Saturday’s Ryder Cup drama.
The incident unfolded late in the afternoon fourballs as tensions reached boiling point between players, caddies, and fans.
With the Americans already struggling against a rampant European side, tempers flared on the walk from the 15th green to the 16th tee.
Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Rose were seen in a verbal exchange after confusion over the order of play, while Tommy Fleetwood’s caddie, Ian Finnis, acted as a peacemaker.
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Moments later, Scheffler’s caddie Scott was seen in an animated discussion with Molinari, one of Luke Donald’s vice-captains, as emotions threatened to spill over.
Scott, who has been on Scheffler’s bag since his rise to world No 1, moved quickly to smooth relations, posting an Instagram story on Sunday morning with the caption: “Ryder Cup rivals but life buds.”
In the video, Scott had his arm around Molinari and explained that any ill-feeling had been settled long before the end of Saturday’s round.
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Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, has publicly apologised to Team Europe vice-captain Francesco Molinari after a heated exchange at Bethpage Black threatened to overshadow Saturday’s Ryder Cup drama
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“This guy right here has always been a very sweet-spirited man,” Scott said.
“We had a heated moment yesterday but what people don’t realise is that by the time we got to the 16th tee, it was over. Neither one of us want to make the competition about us.
“We want to let the players go out there and do their thing. Team Europe is kicking our butts and hopefully today we can make it a little more equal. I just want to say I’m sorry and I appreciate you.”
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Molinari responded warmly, saying: “I have so much admiration for you,” as the pair shook hands and smiled for the camera – a gesture aimed at defusing tensions ahead of Sunday’s singles.
Justin Rose also addressed the flashpoint, describing it as an unfortunate misunderstanding during what had been a highly competitive match.
“It was a shame that the match got to that point because it was actually a really great match,” Rose stated.
“I was waiting to putt… maybe I didn’t say it as politely as I could have said it in the moment, but by no means was there any disrespect.
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Scottie Scheffler and Team USA have had a Ryder Cup to forget going into Sunday's final day
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“Obviously it was taken the wrong way.”
Team Europe ended Saturday with a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead, putting them on the brink of retaining the Ryder Cup, but the atmosphere at Bethpage Black has been fiery throughout.
Security has been tightened after several incidents of heckling, with at least one supporter ejected from the grounds on Saturday for crossing the line.
Sunday’s singles matches will decide whether Keegan Bradley’s men can produce a miracle comeback or if Donald’s Europe side will defend the trophy in emphatic style.