Ryder Cup: USA prepares in Napa with chemistry and strategy

Keegan Bradley leads the U.S. team’s gathering in Napa ahead of the Ryder Cup

In the middle of the Silverado Resort North Course golf course, Keegan Bradley, captain of the American Ryder Cup team, radiated optimism. With a smile on his face and wearing the team uniform, Bradley watched the best players in the world in action, anticipating the big event at Bethpage.

“That ball is more likely to go in the hole than in the right bunker,” Bradley joked as Scottie Scheffler took his wedge shot.

Keegan Bradley

This week, the Procore Championship, a normally quiet PGA Tour event in Napa Valley, was transformed into a key meeting for the Ryder Cup. Bradley and the twelve players he leads are preparing for the competition, hoping to achieve victory. The PGA Tour season has concluded, and the team is defined. Attention is focused on Bethpage, and this means all eyes are on Bradley and the twelve players hoping to lead to victory. Unlike in 2023, where the majority of the American team did not participate in events prior to the defeat at the Ryder Cup in Rome, ten of the twelve team members are present this week, playing together during the first two rounds of the tournament. Bryson DeChambeau, of LIV, is not in the event, but traveled to Napa for Tuesday night’s dinner at the team’s house, where Bradley and the vice-captains are staying. The only absent member of the American team is Xander Schauffele, who recently became a father.

Bradley implemented this meeting as part of his strategy to keep the players in shape and strengthen team chemistry. Scheffler and Schauffele expressed their desire to participate in this event from the beginning of the year.

“It would be unusual for me to have four or five weeks off before the Masters or the US Open, so there’s no reason for me to do it before the Ryder Cup,” Scheffler commented.

Scottie Scheffler

The players’ preparation was evident. On the practice field, Justin Thomas used a protractor to measure the slope, while Russell Henley performed his own putting exercises. Ted Scott, Scheffler’s caddie, prepared balls for Scheffler’s putting practice. In the practice area, Harris English was fine-tuning his wedge game, and Collin Morikawa was practicing with his driver, with a Trackman measuring his numbers and two cameras recording his swing. English and Morikawa played together in the practice round and were also paired for the first two rounds of the event. Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns, Cam Young, and Justin Thomas formed another group, while Scheffler played with Henley and Spaun. Spaun highlighted the importance of building camaraderie and creating a team environment before the Ryder Cup. Bradley revealed that he was about to define the pairings. The goal is for the players to be prepared, especially for alternate shots. Morikawa highlighted Bradley’s openness to listen to suggestions and make Ryder Cup week easier for everyone. The relaxed atmosphere of Napa, described by Bradley as a “lighter scene,” is an ideal place to unwind before the competition on Long Island. The dynamics at the event are unique, with players like Scheffler and Morikawa alongside golfers looking to keep their Tour card. The week in Napa has become a kind of “honeymoon” for the American team. Everyone speaks positively about Bradley’s direction and shows a united front. Bradley has implemented changes, from the organization of the week to constant communication with the team. Woodland has noticed a change in Bradley, who has opened up more to the team.

Bradley emphasized that he was chosen to do things differently and that he is implementing significant changes. The week in Napa could be crucial for the team’s preparation and for future Ryder Cups.

“Who knows. In the future, this could be part of something we do every year,” Bradley commented.

Keegan Bradley