Anthony Kim fires back at Brandel Chamblee after criticism of Bryson DeChambeau

The topic of American players being paid for the Ryder Cup has been another talking point around Team USA this week, a theme that came up in Luke Donald’s speech at the opening ceremony.

Each US player will receive $500,000, with $300,000 earmarked for charity. Several members of the team, including captain Keegan Bradley, have opted to donate their full share to good causes.

Still, Chamblee claimed that pay could be what costs the Americans in New York. Kim did not agree and used his ongoing back-and-forth with DeChambeau to make his point.

That post came just a day after Kim responded to Chamblee’s earlier comment calling DeChambeau a “captain’s nightmare”. Using footage from his 2008 singles win over Sergio Garcia, Kim pointed out that unlike him, Chamblee never played in a Ryder Cup.

DeChambeau has addressed Chamblee’s comments directly and appears unfazed by the ongoing criticism. But it’s still an unnecessary distraction for Team USA during a week when focus will be crucial.

Anthony Kim’s Ryder Cup history

Kim has first-hand experience of what it takes to win a home Ryder Cup. He played a key role in Team USA’s 2008 victory at Valhalla, adding two points to the tally and finishing with a 2-1-1 record for the week.

Teaming up with Phil Mickelson in both foursomes and fourball, Kim went 1-1-1 across those sessions. His biggest moment came in the singles, where he secured an emphatic win over Garcia.

Kim capitalized on Garcia’s unravelling game, securing a five and four victory. The Spaniard’s frustration mounted as he repeatedly hit balls into the water on the seventh hole.

The win was one of the most decisive singles results by a rookie in Ryder Cup history. Afterwards, an emotional Kim said: “I wouldn’t trade this for $10 million.”

His point helped set the tone early for Team USA on Sunday, standing out as one of the pivotal moments in their 2008 triumph.