Xander Schauffele to reporter: "That's a little rude, don't you think?"

Xander Schauffele says he's taken it upon himself to make sure everyone in the Team USA locker room is having a good time at the Presidents Cup. 

But he didn't take too kindly to the suggestion that his role was the team's 'clown' when it was put to him by a reporter on the eve of the 2024 contest.

Schauffele is playing in the Cup for the third time of his career this week. 

He boasts an overall record of 6-3-0 and will lead the charge for the U.S. in the Thursday fourballs.

Related:

• Jim Furyk on shock pairing split at Presidents Cup

He is playing in the opening match alongside Tony Finau against the International duo of Jason Day and Ben An. 

Unsurprisingly, there might be a few golfers on the U.S. team that will lean on Schauffele for a few points this week given his incredible season that saw him win two major championships. 

"My whole career it's been sort of let your clubs talk," Schauffele said when asked about being viewed as a leader on the team. 

"That's been my motto and how I ride, and that's my goal here. If I can collect as many points as possible and lead by example, I think we'll be in a good place."

Schauffele was part of the losing 2023 Ryder Cup team. 

There were accusations of disharmony among the ranks. 

Patrick Cantlay is said to have led a split in the team, allegedly not wearing a cap as a sign of protest for not getting paid. 

Cantlay denied the claim, although golf fans were quick to notice he is wearing a cap this week. 

U.S. captain Jim Furyk had all the jokes when asked about that. 

"There's been pretty much zero turmoil," Schauffele said. 

"I feel like it's important for us to kind of when we're in that locker room together, enjoy some laughs together, stuff we're not able to do all the time at normal tournaments.

"Maybe I take it upon myself to make sure everyone is having a good time and laughing and sort of relaxed."

A reporter asked Schauffele what roles other players have on the team, if he is the clown.

"I wouldn't call myself a clown," Schauffele said.  

"My goodness. That's a little rude, don't you think?"

He continued: "I think it's been pretty cohesive. Everyone is in passing -- everything has been uplifting. 

"There hasn't been any sort of quiet moment or when guys need to rest, they rest. 

"When they need to talk, they talk. When they need to strategise, they do that. It's been an awesome group to be around. 

"So far we've had plenty of laughs and we've been having a good time."

Schauffele hits back at Furyk criticism 

U.S. captain Jim Furyk took some flack when he announced his six captain's picks. 

He was accused of playing it safe, opting to pick Keegan Bradley, Russell Henley, Tony Finau, Brian Harman, Sam Burns and Max Homa.

Homa's inclusion, in particular, raised eyebrows given his inconsistent season. 

He split with his coach earlier in the week. 

Justin Thomas was also a glaring omission from this team. 

Schauffele said the press was to blame for the negativity. 

"It's just the media," he said. 

"If you look at the top 25 guys on our list, and captain picks [like] Max, I don't think any of those 25 guys are sitting there like, 'ugh'. 

"It's just the people that are around it that are like that. We know with Max in the room how strong we are."

Keep checking GolfMagic for all the latest news from the Presidents Cup. 

We will also be providing live text updates. 

Watched our latest YouTube video?