Ryder Cup Captain Bradley Eyes Napa Tune-Up for Team USA
U.S. Captain Advocates for Procore Championship Participation Amidst Ryder Cup Prep
With a significant gap between the Tour Championship and the Ryder Cup, U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley anticipates many of his selected players will compete in the PGA Tour event in Napa, California, to sharpen their game.
Bradley’s Stance on Player Preparation
Currently competing in the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Bradley communicated via text to Sports Illustrated that he plans to play in the Procore Championship himself, provided he makes the Ryder Cup team. He emphasized that participation is voluntary, with players choosing what they believe is the best path to peak performance at Bethpage.
“No one is required to go. The boys feel like this is the best course of action to be ready to play at their highest level at Bethpage.”
—Keegan Bradley, U.S. Ryder Cup Captain
Procore Championship Offers Crucial Preparation
The Procore Championship, scheduled for September 11-14 at the Silverado Resort, marks the beginning of the PGA Tour’s fall series. This event serves as a vital opportunity for players aiming to secure spots in next year’s signature events or solidify their PGA Tour cards for 2026, and it’s also open to other exempt tour members.
Lessons Learned from Past Ryder Cup Defeats
Reflecting on the prior Ryder Cup loss to Europe in Rome, where the U.S. team was criticized for its preparation, there’s a renewed focus on ensuring players are match-sharp. In that instance, only a few U.S. players, including Max Homa and Justin Thomas, participated in the Napa event, while many opted for a scouting trip to Italy.
Player Feedback on Preparation Gaps
Clark, who played in the Procore Championship last year, noted the extended layoff between major events. He recalled feeling not tournament-sharp in the initial stages of the Ryder Cup, a sentiment he shared with his partner Homa. This highlights the challenge of maintaining competitive readiness after a significant break.
“Through four holes I said, ‘Man, I’m sorry.’ Because I kind of was not playing good the first four holes. I said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not tournament sharp right now, I’ll get into it.’ Then eventually I started getting more comfortable. But for sure. I felt like a lot of us weren’t prepared.”
—Clark, Ryder Cup Player
European Preparation Contrast
In contrast, the European team had multiple tournament options, with the majority of its players competing in the BMW PGA Championship just two weeks prior. This proactive approach contrasts with the U.S. team’s situation, where significant gaps in the schedule can impact player readiness.
Ryder Cup Selection Timelines
The automatic qualifiers for the U.S. team will be finalized after the BMW Championship, with Captain Bradley set to announce his captain’s picks on August 27, following the Tour Championship. Meanwhile, Europe’s automatic selections will be determined after the British Masters on August 24, with Captain Luke Donald announcing his picks a week later.
Bradley’s Current Standing
Bradley, who is the defending champion of an upcoming tournament, currently ranks 10th in the Official World Golf Ranking and holds the same position in the U.S. Ryder Cup team standings, indicating a strong possibility of his inclusion on the team.
