Ryder Cup star Xander Schauffele’s father, Stefan, has decided to boycott the tournament this weekend due to his distaste for Rory McIlroy’s behaviour during the last event. The eagerly awaited Ryder Cup teed off on Friday at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale, New York.

Representing Team USA at the biennial tournament is two-time major winner and PGA Tour ace Schauffele. The Californian will team up with Patrick Cantlay for Friday morning’s foursome clash against Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland of Team Europe. The action promises to be thrilling as the Ryder Cup returns to American soil after Team Europe secured an impressive 16.5-11.5 victory at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, last time out in 2023.

Stefan, aged 60, expressed his dissatisfaction in July that the Ryder Cup has become increasingly toxic, leading to his decision not to attend in September to support his son.

The German-born maverick, who has been Xander’s coach for much of his career, told The Times: “Do I miss the PGA Tour? No. I’m not going to the Ryder Cup either.”

“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.

“Then I saw what happened in Rome. That was utterly disgusting claiming this money bull***t and Rory [McIlroy] behaved disgustingly in my opinion [when he confronted Patrick Cantlay’s caddie, Joe LaCava].

“It’s only going to get worse. It’s ruined my appetite for the Ryder Cup. It becomes unwatchable.”

The recently-crowned career Grand Slam champion McIlroy had a fiery confrontation with LaCava two years ago following Cantlay’s successful putt on the 18th hole in Rome.

LaCava enthusiastically waved his hat towards the spectators in celebration amid speculation that Cantlay had competed hatless as a demonstration against players not receiving compensation for Ryder Cup participation.

However, the Northern Irish golfer objected to LaCava’s exuberant conduct, arguing it disrupted his putting preparation.

Sharp exchanges occurred between the duo on the green before McIlroy challenged Justin Thomas’ caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay, in the car park.

These incidents created lingering resentment and somewhat tarnished Europe’s commanding triumph against America.

Such boisterous conduct has also spread to spectators.

During 2021, Team Europe’s Lowry saw his wife, Wendy, subjected to verbal harassment from opposing supporters following Team USA’s 19-9 victory.

Reflecting afterwards, Lowry noted that whilst most Wisconsin spectators were hospitable, a “small percentage” of fans during the opening two days had crossed boundaries.

He added: “I thought I got on well with the crowd last week as best I could. But they are obviously a home crowd and they are going to be a partisan crowd. Some of the stuff is not very nice, but that’s just the way it is.

“Some people are idiots, especially when they drink. Nobody turns into a genius drinking, and that’s what they were doing last week. Especially if you were out in the afternoon matches, it was loud.”

Back in Hazeltine in 2016, McIlroy found himself on the receiving end of crude taunts and repeated renditions of “Sweet Caroline” from fans, following his break-up with tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki.

However, Stefan’s son will be fully focused on aiding Team USA in clinching a third consecutive victory on home turf. The pair of Schauffele and Cantlay have already teamed up for four matches: two at Whistling Straits in 2021 and two at Marco Simone, boasting a 2-2-0 record as partners.