NAPA, CA – Ten of the 12 US Ryder Cup team members playing this week at the Procol Championship, Captain Keegan Bradley called the group “the closest team I’ve ever participated in.”
“The Ryder Cup is so intense and nervous, so it’s really fun to be with you as a team outside the Ryder Cup,” Bradley said. “So it’s fun to see everyone interacting with each other. It’s a bit of a light scene here.”
The choice to hold a training camp of sorts this week was decided early in Bradley’s tenure as captain. Justin Thomas and Max Homa were the only two players, just two players, a few players, including World No, ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup, which the US lost, this time. 1 Scottie Scheffler circled the events in a calendar.
The Bethpage Black Ryder Cup will be available only two weeks away from September 23rd to 28th.
“I think players knew it was important. This Rider Cup means everything to them,” Bradley said. “The players in this group, they’re really friends, they’re friends on the golf course, and I don’t know if the one I played on my team the last time has it as accurately as this group.”
For Bradley, this week has provided a team bonding opportunity – he and his assistant captain are all staying at the house hosting team dinners, including Liv’s Bryson Deccanbeaux on Tuesday night.
“It’s really fun for me to not play when I’m playing. “I was chosen to do this job.
Ten members of the team present were paired with other players on the team during 9 holes practice on Tuesday. Colin Morakawa and Harris English played together, while Schaeffler played alongside JJ Span as Russell Henry, Patrick Cantray, Thomas, Sam Burns and Cam Young followed behind. Ben Griffin played with assistant captain Blunt Snedeker. All members of the field team also play against each other in the rounds on Thursday and Friday.
“One of our goals was to prepare people who are ready to know who they’re playing with, and I think that’s more important, especially with alternative shots,” Bradley said. “I think we’re 90% there.”
This week, as the entire European team plays the BMW Championship just outside London, this has been before the previous Ryder Cup, so Bradley pulls a page from the Procoll Championship book, but focuses on the team.
“To be honest with you, I really don’t care what they’re doing. I really don’t care what Team Europe is doing,” Bradley said. “They’re a confident group. They won the last Ryder Cup. Their team is solid. Luke Donald is probably the best captain I’ve always admired.
