Xander Schauffele was part of the United States team that lost the 2023 Ryder Cup.

The European team won by a wide margin as many American players underperformed at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club.

Those included top-ranked stars Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele.

Schauffele was particularly disappointed with his performance after building a reputation as one of the USA’s most reliable players.

He even had to be consoled by his close friend and Ryder Cup teammate, Patrick Cantlay, two years ago in Rome.

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Xander Schauffele recalls emotional conversation with Patrick Cantlay at 2023 Ryder Cup

Schauffele played in four sessions at the 2023 Ryder Cup: Friday foursomes, Friday fourballs, Saturday foursomes, and Sunday singles.

After winning one and losing three, Schauffele felt like he had let his teammates down, especially Cantlay.

He recently explained that he was the “most upset” he had been in years and needed Cantlay to pick him up.

“Rome was probably as bad as… I played badly,” he shared. “Pat and I got off to a rough start, I remember, and he started turning it on, just like any good teammate wants.

You’re like, ‘Okay, we’re getting the vibe here,’ and I just left him. I just left my guy hanging. I missed important putts that I normally wouldn’t.

“It was the first time in a team event where I was whiffing these putts, and I was so upset after the round.

“He was really nice; he came up to me and gave me a hug and said, ‘We’re going to do a lot more of these, so buckle up. It’s going to be fine.’

“In that moment, though, I was devastated. It was probably the most upset I’ve been in in a really long time, and I haven’t really admitted that to anyone.

“But it’s interesting how when you’re in a team environment… letting yourself down is one thing. When you let your teammates down, especially when the room is close, man, is that another thing.”

Most golf fans’ perception of Cantlay is that he is emotionless, but perhaps he has a softer side to him.

Xander Schauffele’s overall Ryder Cup record

Schauffele has now played in three Ryder Cups, having also represented the United States at Bethpage Black last month.

Despite losing twice, his overall win/loss record is still more than respectable. The two-time major champion has won seven out of his 12 matches.

The 31-year-old even won three points in 2025 despite the USA playing poorly on Friday and Saturday and ultimately losing 15-13.

Schauffele has formed a strong partnership with Cantlay in team events, and they will almost certainly play together at next year’s Presidents Cup at Medinah.